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Novak Djokovic has told to Gael Monfils that it is "always an honor" to meet him on the court. In the Cincinnati Masters round-of-16, Djokovic claimed a routine 6-3 6-2 win over Monfils. Now, Djokovic owns a 19-0 head-to-head against Monfils and it's officially the most lopsided head-to-head in ATP history.
After the match, Djokovic gave Monfils an autographed shirt with a message for the Frenchman. "#19. 17.08.23. Sorry not sorry (smiling emoticon)," the message on the shirt read. Monfils posted the autographed shirt and had some nice words for "the GOAT" Djokovic: “It may not have been the match I was hoping for against the GOAT, but it's still an honor and a pleasure to face Novak.
Still, it's been a positive week. I'm going to rest to be at my best at the US Open. Thank you so much for your incredible support." Djokovic responded to Monfils' message: "Always an honor to play together my friend."
Always an honor to play together my friend 🙏 :-) https://t.co/hnmc4IntZw — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 18, 2023
Djokovic on beating Monfils
After the first six games of the match, Djokovic and Monfils were tied to three games apiece.
Then, Djokovic won the next eight games to open a 6-3 5-0 lead. Just when it seemed Djokovic would end the match by winning the last nine games, Monfils managed to get one break back when the Serb was serving for the match for the first time.
Djokovic maybe didn't manage to serve out for the match in his first attempt but he had no problems closing out the match in his second attempt in the eighth game. "I just managed to hold my serve really comfortably. I think I was hitting the spots well, and just made him play.
He made a few unforced errors at 4-3 in the first set to hand me the break. After that it was no looking back for me. I started to raise the level more and more, almost a flawless second set. I guess his game suits me. It's nice to see him back.
We haven't played for quite a few years. It's great to see him back playing at a high level," Djokovic said after beating Monfils.