The French Open is already buzzing with high drama, but it was Novak Djokovic who served up the most memorable moment off-court, delivering a hilarious, self-aware dig at the retiring Gael Monfils.
Key Takeaways
- Novak Djokovic humorously referenced his 20-0 undefeated record against Gael Monfils.
- Monfils is making his emotional final appearance at his home tournament, Roland Garros.
- Djokovic praised Monfils' enduring character and extraordinary athleticism.
- The Serbian faced a challenging first-round match against rising French talent Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Djokovic's Hilarious Homage to 'La Monf'
Ahead of Gael Monfils' farewell at Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic paid tribute to his long-time friend and rival. However, the world No. 4 couldn't resist a playful jab about his incredible 20-0 head-to-head record against the French showman. The remark, made during the 'Gael and Friends' exhibition, was met with laughter and an immediate, tongue-in-cheek apology from Djokovic.
"Honestly, he was one of my favourite players to watch, no doubt, and one of the favourite players to play against, as well! I mean, I'm sorry, but I had to mention it," Djokovic quipped. This light-hearted banter perfectly encapsulated the unique camaraderie that exists even at the pinnacle of professional tennis.
A Legacy Beyond the Scoreline
Despite the lopsided record, Djokovic was quick to emphasize Monfils' profound impact on the sport. "The legacy that he'll leave behind is, at least for me and all of us guys that know him for a long time, is how nice of a human being he is, how good of a guy," Djokovic stated.
He further celebrated Monfils' iconic style: "He's always smiling, always bringing positive vibes... one of the most athletic tennis players that you'll see. His slides, his defense, his slam dunks, overheads are some signature shots. He'll be missed." As Monfils prepares for his final dance on the Parisian clay against countryman Hugo Gaston, his enduring spirit and electrifying play will be fondly remembered.
Navigating His Own Roland Garros Gauntlet
While sharing a poignant moment with Monfils, Novak Djokovic also had to navigate his own opening-round challenge at the French Open. He faced the towering 6ft 7inch Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a match that pushed the defending champion to his limits.
Djokovic battled back from a set down, securing a 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 victory. He admitted the match was "very challenging, obviously mentally," particularly against Mpetshi Perricard's monstrous serve. "First set, zero chance really on his serve, he has one of the most tremendous serves in terms of precision and speed that I have ever faced in my career," Djokovic confessed, acknowledging the young talent's immense potential.
Next Up: Another French Foe
Djokovic's path at Roland Garros continues to be fraught with French opposition. Having overcome Mpetshi Perricard, he will now prepare to face Valentin Royer in the next round. The Serbian superstar remains focused on his quest for another Grand Slam title, even as he takes time to celebrate the careers of his esteemed rivals.
