Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Djokovic set for 20th win over Monfils in Brisbane

Andrew Hendrie

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Last updated: Thu 02 Jan 2025 06:22

Andrew Hendrie 02 Jan 2025

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Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils predictions for Thursday's second round match in Brisbane
Djokovic has won all 19 previous meetings between the pair
Djokovic has covered a -4.5 games line in seven of his last eight wins over Monfils
The match is scheduled to start at 7.30pm AEDT on Thursday January 2

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Novak Djokovic (Photo by Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils Tips, Prediction & Live Stream

Novak Djokovic continues his pursuit of a 100th career title at the Brisbane International on Thursday night when he comes up against fellow veteran Gael Monfils in the second round.

Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils Tips, Prediction & Live Stream
Head To Head
Novak Djokovic Form
Gael Monfils Form
Live Stream

Djokovic is back in Brisbane for the first time since the inaugural 2009 edition of the tournament and is hoping to fine-tune his game before going in search of another Australian Open crown later this month, while Monfils will be searching for a miracle after already suffering 19 defeats in this match-up throughout his career.

Head To Head

These two players first met in a Futures event in Italy back in 2004 and are still squaring off against each other on the tour more than two decades later. Monfils won that Futures match, but Djokovic has prevailed in all 19 of their tour-level meetings, putting together one of the most dominant H2H records in history.

Novak Djokovic Form

Djokovic has already got three matches under his belt in Brisbane, making the second round of the doubles with Nick Kyrgios before bowing out in a thrilling match tiebreak against top seeds Nikola Metkic and Michael Venus.

Those two matches will have served their purpose for Djokovic, who hadn't played competitively since the Shanghai Masters in October.

In singles, Djokovic got his campaign off to a flawless start, registering a clinical 6-3 6-3 victory over Rinky Hijikata in the opening round.

Djokovic didn't face a break point throughout the 75-minute triumph inside Pat Rafter Arena and won 25/31 points behind his first serve.

The 37-year-old is bidding to become just the third man after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer to win 100 career titles in Brisbane this week.

Gael Monfils Form

Monfils has been plagued by injuries in the twilight of his career, but he still managed to put together a respectable 25-21 record in 2024 and comes into this year ranked No. 55 in the world.

It was the first year since 2005 that Monfils had failed to reach a final at tour-level and the 38-year-old will do well to return to that sort of stage in 2025.

However, the Frenchman showcased he still has the game to hang with the youngsters in his Brisbane opener, outlasting teenager Nishesh Basavareddy 6-4 4-6 6-1.

Monfils fired down a whopping 18 aces in that victory and will need a similar serving display if he is going to trouble Djokovic on Thursday night.

Live Stream

Watch and bet on Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils live from Brisbane.

You can watch and bet on the match at bet365 > Tennis > ATP Brisbane with the action available to stream on desktop and mobile.

Geo-restrictions apply, you'll need a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to gain access. 18+ terms and conditions apply.

Verdict

Novak Djokovic v Gael Monfils

Djokovic has won all 19 previous meetings between the pair and it would be a shock of seismic proportions if Monfils were to secure his first win in this match-up in Brisbane.

Djokovic has covered a -4.5 games handicap in seven of his last eight wins over Monfils, with three of the last four coming by exactly 6-3 6-2 scores - the Serbian should be able to cover again here.