Madrid Open 2022 scores, winner and recap: Novak Djokovic improves to 18-0 over Gael Monfils, advances to third round
Novak Djokovic continued his mastery over Gael Monfils with a 6-3, 6-2 win in the second round of the Madrid Open, improving to 18-0 against the Frenchman.
With his victory over Monfils, Djokovic is also guaranteed to hold on to the World No. 1 spot for at least one more week. The Serb will extend his stay at the summit to a record 369 weeks on Monday next week.
Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils Score
Djokovic remained unfazed despite a rain delay in the opening set as he took out Monfils 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the third round in Madrid.
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for @DjokerNole 
Make that 1️⃣8️⃣-0️⃣ for @DjokerNole 👏
He remains undefeated against Monfils with a 6-3, 6-2 victory.
@MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN https://t.co/jFAEigjKZ2
Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils Winner
With his win against Monfils, Djokovic became the first player in the Open Era to boast an 18-0 record against an opponent. He surpassed Rafael Nadal (vs Richard Gasquet), Roger Federer (vs David Ferrer and Mikhail Youzhny), Ivan Lendl (vs Tim Mayotte) and Bjorn Borg (vs Vitas Gerulaitis) who managed 17-0 records against certain opponents.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is off to a winning start in Madrid after defeating Gael Monfils, 6-3, 6-2.
375th Masters 1000 win ✔️
995th career win ✔️
18-0 vs Monfils ✔️
🇷🇸 World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is off to a winning start in Madrid after defeating Gael Monfils, 6-3, 6-2.
His 18-0 record against Monfils is the best undefeated tour-level H2H record for a man in the Open Era. 💥
Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils Recap
Djokovic struggled with double faults in the first five games of the match and was unable to gain an advantage over Monfils.
A lengthy rain delay, however, interrupted the match. With the roofs closed, Monfils returned to the court with a splash, hitting a forehand down-the-line winner that ended a 34-shot exchange to earn a break point. However, a steely Djokovic strung up three straight points to hold for 3-2.
Leave it to @Gael_Monfils to add to the highlight reel 🔥
@MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN https://t.co/2tEnc9qyii
Djokovic gained the edge in the sixth game, earning two break points on a double fault by Monfils. The Frenchman sent a forehand wide, giving Djokovic a break of serve.
Djokovic went on to take the set 6-3.
Can't be struck any better 👍
@DjokerNole forehand prowess in Madrid.
#MMOPEN https://t.co/p0hhksPTED
After exchanging holds at the start of the second set, the Serb made the early move and broke Monfils for a 2-1 lead.
Djokovic earned his second break of the set as Monfils netted a forehand to give the Serb a 5-2 advantage. The Frenchman pushed Djokovic as he served for the match, earning two break points to keep his hopes alive. But Djokovic fended those off by hitting two big serves, before securing the win.
🏻 No.1, having fun 🙌🏻
With today's victory @DjokerNole will remain at the top of the ATP rankings, taking the tally to a record 369 weeks on Monday May 9.
#MMOPEN https://t.co/MNb04fDRLI
Djokovic saved all five break points he faced while converting all three he earned to reach the third round of the Madrid Open, where he will face former World No. 1 Andy Murray for their 37th encounter.