NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka demonstrated their formidable form ahead of the Australian Open, securing their spots in the Brisbane International quarter-finals on Thursday.
During a day highlighting emerging talent, Djokovic secured a straightforward 6-3, 6-3 victory against Gael Monfils in 72 minutes, whilst Andreeva and Mpetshi Perricard showcased their abilities.
World number one Sabalenka, pursuing her third consecutive Australian Open title, advanced by defeating Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva 7-6 (7/2), 6-4.
The match between Djokovic and Monfils was engaging, with the 37-year-old Serbian maintaining control throughout, extending his winning streak against the Frenchman to 20 matches.
Djokovic's next challenge comes against tall American Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals.
"We've been playing a long time, I've known Gael since I was 15 and he was 16," said Djokovic, who aims for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open starting January 12.
"I've had a good score against him over the years but we've had some incredible battles on different surfaces.
"Hopefully we can play some more before we both retire."
Russian teenager Andreeva decisively defeated Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-0, whilst Mpetshi Perricard eliminated fourth-seeded American Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 7-6 (7/4).
Andreeva, showing significant progress since 2024, completed her victory over Czech Republic's Noskova in 63 minutes. She faces Tunisia's Ons Jabeur in her next match.
"Last year she (Noskova) almost killed me in the quarter-finals so I was thinking it's time to take my revenge," Andreeva said.
Currently ranked 16th globally, the Russian is considered a potential Grand Slam contender for 2025.
"My number one goal for the 2025 season is to crack the top 10," said Andreeva, under the guidance of former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez.
Mpetshi Perricard, aged 21, continued his impressive run after defeating Nick Kyrgios, outplaying US Open semi-finalist Tiafoe with excellent serving.
Following his 36-ace performance against Kyrgios, the Frenchman delivered 20 more aces against Tiafoe. His next opponent is 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik.
"It was a good match, not very easy to play against Francis," Mpetshi Perricard said.
"The first set was very tight on serve but I managed to put some pressure on his second serve and it worked."
