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“My Chances Are Very Low”: Gael Monfils on Defeating Novak Djokovic at Rolex Paris Masters 2021
Frenchman Gael Monfils has had some decent performances at home in Rolex Paris Masters 2021, overcoming Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic and compatriot Adrian Mannarino. However, the taxing run has taken a toll on his health. Accordingly, former World No.6 lowered his chances against his next opponent, Serbian World No.1 Novak Djokovic.
Remarkably, it will mark the 18th professional career meeting between Monfils and Djokovic. So far, the Serb is leading their head-to-head battles with a clean 17-0 record. Thus, the Frenchman, who is not feeling 100% healthy, had all the more reason to doubt his chances.
Gael Monfils on meeting Novak Djokovic in Paris
First and foremost, Monfils revealed that he would get an X-ray to understand his health better. Hence, he is not entirely sure about whether he will take the court or not.
Besides that, the Frenchman is also aware of his record against Djokovic. Therefore, he did not shy from accepting the odds of this matchup.
“I’m going to have an x-ray, so we’ll see how my body will react. When I’m 100% fit, I have not defeated ever Djokovic so far, so now that I’m not 100% fit, my chances are very low. I will see what decision I will make. We’ll see,” Monfils said.
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 28, 2021 France’s Gael Monfils reacts during his first round match against Australia’s Christopher O’Connell REUTERS/Toby Melville
Despite the record, the couple has had some classic encounters on the ATP Tour. Moreover, Monfils and Djokovic both have the deepest love and respect for one another.
Additionally, the duo also has the game to beat the best of the players on their peak day. And in tennis, only the better player on the given day wins, not statistics.
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Djokovic chasing multiple records at Rolex Paris Masters 2021
On the other side of Monfils, Djokovic is more determined than ever about making history in their aspect of the sport. Earlier, the Serb exceeded Roger Federer to make the all-time record in Most Wins as ATP No.1.
Sep 10, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after his match against Alexander Zverev of Germany (not pictured) on day twelve of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Furthermore, the 34-year-old is looking forward to becoming the only player to clinch the year-end World No.1 spot for a record-breaking seven times. He could confirm it with a title or doing better than his new-rival Daniil Medvedev in Paris.
Besides, Djokovic is also hot-favorite for winning the Rolex Paris Masters 1000 for a record-extending sixth time. However, every single match is a different challenge and only time will tell if he goes through all of that or not.
Do you think Djokovic will win the Paris title this year?
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The post “My Chances Are Very Low”: Gael Monfils on Defeating Novak Djokovic at Rolex Paris Masters 2021 appeared first on EssentiallySports.
