Djokovic and Sabalenka Dominate in Brisbane as Young Stars Shine
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka showcased their top form at the Brisbane International on Thursday, advancing to the quarterfinals with commanding victories as they prepare for the Australian Open. Rising talents Mirra Andreeva and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard also made headlines with impressive wins.
Djokovic, a 37-year-old Serbian chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open starting January 12, eased past French veteran Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3 in just 72 minutes. Despite the entertaining nature of the match, Djokovic maintained full control, extending his career win streak against Monfils to 20 matches. Up next, he faces towering American Reilly Opelka.
"We’ve been playing a long time," Djokovic said. "I’ve known Gael since we were teenagers. We've had some incredible battles, and I hope there are more to come before we both retire."
In the women’s draw, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, further solidifying her bid for a third consecutive Australian Open title.
Seventeen-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva continued her remarkable rise, dismantling Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-0. Andreeva, coached by former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, avenged her 2024 loss to Noskova with a 63-minute masterclass. Ranked 16th in the world, Andreeva faces Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in the next round. "Last year, she almost killed me in the quarterfinals," Andreeva said. "This time, I wanted revenge."
Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 21, stunned fourth-seeded Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) with a dominant serving display, including 20 aces. This follows his earlier upset of Nick Kyrgios, where he fired 36 aces. Mpetshi Perricard will next face 19-year-old Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic.
"It was a tough match," the Frenchman admitted. "But I focused on pressuring his second serve, and it paid off."
The Brisbane International continues to excite as seasoned champions and rising stars clash on the path to the Australian Open.
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