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Gael Monfils seeking first ever win over Novak Djokovic

By Harry Floyd

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 16: Gael Monfils of France looks on in his first round match against Jaume Munar of Spain on day two of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 16, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 16: Gael Monfils of France looks on in his first round match against Jaume Munar of Spain on day two of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 16, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Pat Scala/Getty Images) /
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Gael Monfils faces a tough matchup in his Australian Open second round action. He takes on former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic next.

Gael Monfils is yet to defeat Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic throughout the course of his ATP Wold Tour career. Djokovic is an impressive 14-0 versus Monfils in competitive ATP singles action. The two met just once in 2017, where Djokovic won in straight sets.

With the Serbian tennis star coming in as the 14th seed this year at the Australian Open, his path to the title is far different than what he’s used to. In his way, he finds an experienced veteran in Monfils. While the French tennis star is yet to take down Djokovic, the Serbian is attempting a return from injury as we speak.

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Monfils can take advantage of Djokovic’s lack of competitive play since last year at Wimbledon. The 14th seed appeared in fine form during his opener versus American Donald Young. Winning in straight sets, Djokovic took down Young 6-1 6-2 6-4.

Novak Djokovic adjusted his serve in order to reduce the pressure on his injured elbow.

Despite his dominance over Monfils in the past, the French tennis veteran is a highly energetic and athletic player on the court. He will prove to be a huge test for the returning Serbian superstar.

The two square off at Melbourne Park tomorrow for their round of 64 meeting. Even with his time off due to injury, Djokovic is the current world No. 14 on the ATP World Tour. Monfils comes in as the world No. 39. Djokovic, who is a six-time Australian Open men’s singles champion, is one Grand Slam ahead of defending champion Roger Federer at the event.

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Gael Monfils is capable of the upset over Novak Djokovic.

The French tennis star is fresh off of a title win at the Qatar Open. He is off to a fantastic start in 2018 and looks to continue his momentum right into the second round action tomorrow.

While he is yet to win a Grand Slam title, Monfils has the talent and experience necessary to complete the upset over Djokovic and continue on at Melbourne Park.

As for Federer, the Swiss great is off to the exact start he was looking for at the 2018 Australian Open. Winning his opener in straight sets, Federer cruises into the next round of action. He and Rafael Nadal appear to be at their best right now. Nadal, similar to Djokovic, has been dealing with lingering injuries in the past year. Even with his knee issues though, the Spanish superstar eases through his first round match. Stay tuned to see how Gael Monfils and others fare in the next round of play at the 2018 Australian Open.

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