Gael Monfils has claimed that Novak Djokovic is still a legend of tennis, despite losing against Daniil Medvedev in US Open final.

The 34-year-old will be playing his first match since being defeated in straight sets by Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final later today, as he takes on Marton Fucsovics in second round of Paris Masters. The world number one won 27 consecutive Major matches which saw him win Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles earlier in the year to go level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the all-time Major list with 20 Championships.

Monfils asserted that Djokovic has been virtually unbeatable throughout 2021, and his US Open final defeat doesn’t change anything.

“I still see him (Novak Djokovic) as a legend of tennis,” Monfils said. “He’s won three Grand Slams, and he’s still trying to get more. He’s a legend of tennis. He lost against Daniil who played extremely well. He hasn’t lost a lot of matches. He’s No. 2 worldwide. So as far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t change anything.”

“Both players have great level. Novak is still Novak,” Monfils added. “He’s still a fantastic player. He’s won three Grand Slams. He’s still the same. He only lost to the second player, the second-ranked player.”

Djokovic has partnered with compatriot Filip Krajinovic at Paris Masters, the Serbian pair defeated Luke Saville and Alex De Minaur in the opening round, with the world number one attracting the majority of crowd support in Paris. The 34-year-old received a rapturous applause during his runners-up speech following US Open final, which reduced him to tears as he offered his thanks for the outstanding support.