Madrid Open 2022 scores, winner and recap: Novak Djokovic improves to 18-0 over Gael Monfils, advances to third round

Novak Djokovic continued his mastery over Gael Monfils with a 6-3, 6-2 win in the second round of the Madrid Open, improving to 18-0 against the Frenchman.

With his victory over Monfils, Djokovic is also guaranteed to hold on to the World No. 1 spot for at least one more week. The Serb will extend his stay at the summit to a record 369 weeks on Monday next week.

Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils Score

Djokovic remained unfazed despite a rain delay in the opening set as he took out Monfils 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the third round in Madrid.

Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils Winner

With his win against Monfils, Djokovic became the first player in the Open Era to boast an 18-0 record against an opponent. He surpassed Rafael Nadal (vs Richard Gasquet), Roger Federer (vs David Ferrer and Mikhail Youzhny), Ivan Lendl (vs Tim Mayotte) and Bjorn Borg (vs Vitas Gerulaitis) who managed 17-0 records against certain opponents.

Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils Recap

Djokovic struggled with double faults in the first five games of the match and was unable to gain an advantage over Monfils.

A lengthy rain delay, however, interrupted the match. With the roofs closed, Monfils returned to the court with a splash, hitting a forehand down-the-line winner that ended a 34-shot exchange to earn a break point. However, a steely Djokovic strung up three straight points to hold for 3-2.

Djokovic gained the edge in the sixth game, earning two break points on a double fault by Monfils. The Frenchman sent a forehand wide, giving Djokovic a break of serve.

Djokovic went on to take the set 6-3.

After exchanging holds at the start of the second set, the Serb made the early move and broke Monfils for a 2-1 lead.

Djokovic earned his second break of the set as Monfils netted a forehand to give the Serb a 5-2 advantage. The Frenchman pushed Djokovic as he served for the match, earning two break points to keep his hopes alive. But Djokovic fended those off by hitting two big serves, before securing the win.

Djokovic saved all five break points he faced while converting all three he earned to reach the third round of the Madrid Open, where he will face former World No. 1 Andy Murray for their 37th encounter.