Djokovic, Sabalenka Dominate Brisbane International, Rising Stars Impress
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka showcased their dominance on Thursday, powering into the Brisbane International quarterfinals in commanding fashion as they fine-tune their form for the upcoming Australian Open.
Djokovic Cruises Past Monfils
Top-seeded Djokovic defeated French veteran Gael Monfils in a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 victory that lasted just 72 minutes. The 37-year-old Serbian extended his unbeaten record against Monfils to 20 matches and will face towering American Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals. Opelka edged past Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in two tie-break sets, 7-6(9), 7-6(4).
“We’ve been playing a long time. I’ve known Gael since I was 15, and he was 16,” Djokovic said. “We’ve had incredible battles over the years on different surfaces. Hopefully, we can have a few more before we retire.”
Djokovic is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title when the Australian Open begins on January 12.
Sabalenka Continues Winning Ways
In the women’s draw, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva in straight sets, 7-6(7-2), 6-4, as she chases her third consecutive Australian Open title. Sabalenka’s commanding form solidifies her position as a favorite heading into the first Grand Slam of the year.
Big Names Fall, Rising Stars Shine
Notable upsets included third seed Daria Kasatkina, who fell to fellow Russian Polina Kudermetova in a three-set battle, 1-6, 6-2, 7-5, and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, who lost to Czech Marie Bouzkova, 6-4, 6-4.
Seventeen-year-old Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva impressed with a stunning 6-3, 6-0 victory over Linda Noskova in just 63 minutes, avenging her loss to the Czech player at the same event last year. Andreeva will face Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, who returned from injury to defeat Elina Avanesyan, 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.
“My goal for 2025 is to crack the top 10,” said Andreeva, who is coached by former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez.
Mpetshi Perricard Impresses
Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 21, continued his impressive run by defeating US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6(7-4). Known for his powerful serve, Mpetshi Perricard delivered another 20 aces, following his 36-ace performance against Nick Kyrgios in the previous round. He will next face 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik, who defeated Dusan Lajovic, 6-3, 6-2.
“It was a good match,” Mpetshi Perricard said. “Not easy to play against Frances, but I managed to put pressure on his second serve, and it worked.”
Looking Ahead
With Djokovic and Sabalenka in ominous form, and rising stars like Andreeva and Mpetshi Perricard showcasing their potential, the Brisbane International continues to deliver excitement ahead of the Australian Open, set to kick off in just over a week.
