If there’s one name that sends shivers down Gael Monfils’ spine, it’s Novak Djokovic. Over the span of two decades, Monfils has faced Djokovic 20 times on the ATP Tour, and the result has been the same every single time: a resounding defeat. With Djokovic now holding an incredible 20-0 record against Monfils, this lopsided rivalry is officially the most one-sided in tennis history.
The Latest Chapter: Brisbane 2025
On January 2, 2025, the saga continued at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane, where Djokovic cruised past Monfils with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory. The win advanced Djokovic to the tournament’s quarterfinals, where he will face Reilly Opelka, but it also extended his unrelenting dominance over the Frenchman. For Monfils, it was another chapter in a rivalry that has been less about competition and more about survival against one of tennis’ all-time greats.
A Rivalry Unlike Any Other
This isn’t just a bad matchup—it’s a historic anomaly. Monfils’ 20 losses to Djokovic are unmatched in ATP history for their sheer one-sidedness. Other great rivalries have come close, but none surpass Djokovic-Monfils:
- Rafael Nadal vs. Richard Gasquet: Nadal leads 18-0, but their rivalry ended when Nadal withdrew from the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, making further matches impossible.
- Bjorn Borg vs. Vitas Gerulaitis: Borg dominated 17-0.
- Roger Federer vs. David Ferrer and Mikhail Youzhny: Both rivalries ended at 17-0 in Federer’s favor.
What makes the Djokovic-Monfils dynamic even more fascinating is its longevity. From their first ATP meeting in 2005 to their latest clash in 2025, Monfils has faced the Serbian across every stage of his career, with the outcome always the same.
The Rare Exception: A Forgotten Victory
Technically, Monfils has beaten Djokovic—once. In 2004, during an ITF Futures match in Italy, Monfils secured a 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 victory over a teenage Djokovic. However, since that match wasn’t part of the ATP Tour, it isn’t counted in official head-to-head records. This quirk mirrors Rafael Nadal’s H2H with Gasquet, who also claimed an early Challenger-level win before enduring 18 consecutive defeats.
Why Is Djokovic Unstoppable Against Monfils?
The reasons for Djokovic’s dominance over Monfils are multifaceted. Djokovic’s precision, ability to absorb and redirect power, and mental fortitude neutralize Monfils’ flashy athleticism and unpredictable style. While Monfils dazzles with his acrobatics, Djokovic responds with consistency and an unmatched ability to read his opponent’s game.
Even Monfils’ best efforts have fallen short. Many of their matches have been straightforward affairs, and when Monfils has pushed Djokovic to the brink, the Serbian’s resilience has always prevailed.
A Record That May Never Be Broken
With 20 consecutive victories, Djokovic’s perfect record against Monfils is unlikely to be replicated. The dominance, longevity, and historical context of this rivalry make it one of the most remarkable streaks in tennis. For Djokovic, it’s another testament to his greatness. For Monfils, it’s a haunting reminder of a mountain he could never climb.
As Djokovic continues his quest for more titles and Monfils nears the twilight of his career, their rivalry serves as a symbol of the fine margins that separate the greats from the merely exceptional.