Novak Djokovic will play Gael Monfils in the Dubai Open, for a place in the final of the event. The Serb took out Karen Khachanov in a fairly easy match in the quarter-finals. In his post match press conference, Novak expressed his admiration for Monfils.

Djokovic proceeded to the semi-final of the Dubai Open after dismantling Khachanov 6-2, 6-2. It was a performance of a man very high on confidence. Now, he will face another man high on confidence, Gael Monfils.

Monfils has started the season off in spectacular fashion. After losing to Dominic Thiem in the Round of 16 of the Australian Open, Monfils has not lost a match. He won the ATP 250 event in his home country, the Montpellier Open, before defending his title at the Rotterdam Open.

“Love watching him play” – Novak Djokovic

The Frenchman comes into the semi-final clash with a win-streak of 9 matches. However, Djokovic comes into it in an even better form, not having lost a match yet this year. Additionally, the Serb also has a perfect record against Gael, with 16 wins and no losses.

Despite the history of their rivalry, Novak does not take a battle with Gael lightly.

“Gael Monfils is in form, he is top 10 of the world and he’s playing, possibly, his best tennis. I think his best season was almost ten years ago, when he was No. 6-7 in the World, playing semis of a Grand Slam. I’ve never lost to him, but we have had some really long matches and tough encounters.”

And how can anyone talk about Monfils, and not mention his athleticism?

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“One of the best, if not the best, athlete in our sport. He moves so well, he’s so fit. He’s got, for me, the most interesting game in tennis. I love watching him play, and I love playing against him.” 

Monfils does indeed have an interesting game. The Frenchman prefers or almost loves, to play on the defensive. He is, possibly, one of the best in business when it comes to coming up with winners on the run.

Novak and Gael have already played this year in the Round Robin of the ATP Cup. Djokovic won the encounter 6-3, 6-2, but Monfils has improved his form significantly since then.