Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka delivered commanding performances Thursday, advancing to the Brisbane International quarterfinals and signaling sturdy type forward of the Australian Open.
Djokovic defeated veteran Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3 in 72 minutes, extending his excellent report to 20-0 in opposition to the Frenchman. The 37-year-old Serb managed the match, which featured moments of aptitude from each gamers.
In the ladies’s draw, world No. 1 Sabalenka overcame Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 as she pursues a 3rd consecutive Australian Open title.
Rising abilities Mirra Andreeva and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard additionally impressed, showcasing their potential as future stars.
Djokovic, a former world No. 1, will face towering American Reilly Opelka within the final eight.
“We’ve been playing a long time – I’ve known Gael since I was 15 and he was 16,” stated Djokovic, who’s chasing a report twenty fifth Grand Slam singles title on the Australian Open, which begins Jan. 12.
“I’ve had a good score against him over the years, but we’ve had some incredible battles on different surfaces. Hopefully, we can play some more before we both retire.”
In the ladies’s draw, 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva demolished Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-0 to achieve the quarterfinals. A yr after dropping to Noskova on the similar occasion, Andreeva showcased her progress with a 63-minute victory over the Czech participant.
The teenager will subsequent face Ons Jabeur of Tunisia.
“Last year, she (Noskova) almost killed me in the quarterfinals, so I thought it was time to take my revenge,” Andreeva stated.
Ranked No. 16 on the earth at the beginning of 2025, Andreeva is seen as a powerful contender for a Grand Slam title this yr.
“My No. 1 goal for the 2025 season is to crack the top 10,” stated Andreeva, who’s coached by former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Mpetshi Perricard continued his spectacular run by defeating fourth-seeded American Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). The Frenchman served 20 aces within the match, including to the 36 he fired in his first-round win over Nick Kyrgios.
“It was a good match – not very easy to play against Frances,” Mpetshi Perricard stated. “The first set was very tight on serve, but I managed to put some pressure on his second serve, and it worked.”
Mpetshi Perricard will face 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik within the quarterfinals.
Source: www.dailysabah.com