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Novak Djokovic US Open 2021

Novak Djokovic into Paris quarter-finals following Gael Monfils withdrawal


Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils will not face each other for an 18th time on the tour as the Frenchman withdrew within hours of their match.

The Frenchman suffered an unfortunate leg injury when facing compatriot Adrian Mannarino in the second round.

The ailment required an extended medical timeout off the court before Monfils hung tough to claim victory.

But now, following an x-ray, the world number 22 has decided not to play his third round match against Djokovic, citing the injury.

Djokovic and Monfils have previously played 17 times across their careers, with Monfils having never registered a win against the Serb.

As a result of the withdrawal, Djokovic is now into the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters for a ninth time.

The world number one is looking to add a sixth Paris title to his wins in 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2019. Furthermore, claiming the title in Paris would guarantee Djokovic an outright record seventh year-end number one crown.

It would also put the 34-year-old one Masters title ahead of joint record-holder Rafael Nadal. Both men currently boast 36 Masters titles each to their names.

The 20-time Slam champion now awaits the victor of Cameron Norrie and Taylor Fritz in the last eight of the final Masters event of the season.