Novak Djokovic romps past Gael Monfils in front of family to reach quarters of ATP Brisbane ahead of Australian Open

Novak Djokovic was on top form as he swept past Gael Monfils 6-3 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International. The Serb is seeded first 'down under', and he is playing the ATP 250 tournament for the first time since his first-round upset against Ernests Gulbis in 2009. The world No. 7 came through in one hour and 14 minutes, and will play Reilly Opelka in the last eight.

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Novak Djokovic made light work of Gael Monfils as he cruised past the Frenchman 6-3 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International.

Djokovic, playing at the ATP 250 event for the first time since his shock first-round exit to Ernests Gulbis back in 2009, is warming up for a shot at an 11th Australian Open title.

The Serb, currently ranked at world No. 7, has not yet been joined by his new coach Andy Murray, but the recently-retired Scot is expected to accompany the 24-time Grand Slam champion in Melbourne.

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Djokovic did not need any guidance at the Pat Rafter Arena, as he beat Monfils comfortably in an hour and 14 minutes to set up a last-eight encounter with the big-serving American Reilly Opelka.

The 37-year-old wrapped up the opening set in 36 minutes, breaking at 3-1, before coming back from 0-30 down to serve out the set; a wide serve and forehand winner combination was enough to snare first blood.

Monfils battled commendably but he was under pressure once more after the changeover as Djokovic threatened an early break at the start of the second set.

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The Frenchman fought off a short-lived Djokovic recovery to deuce in the opening game, but he was breached in his very next service game to love as the 10-time Australian Open champion sought an early finish.

One final break was secured in the last game of the match when Monfils overcooked a backhand down the line to gift Djokovic victory.

Speaking afterwards, Djokovic was in a jovial mood, and said that his "heart was full" thanks to the presence of his family - a first 'down under'.

"I never won [the] Brisbane International," Djokovic replied jokingly when asked about his continued hunger and desire to keep coming back to Australia.

"It’s true. Hopefully, this is the year. That’s why I’m here. I’ve played here a couple of times. I played a tournament back in 2009, and with the Serbian team in the ATP Cup four or five years ago. I haven’t played too many times, but when I have, it’s been in front of a packed stadium of very passionate tennis fans.

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"Both of my children told me to have two different kinds of celebration. My daughter told me to keep going with the violin if I win, and my son told me to play the saxophone, so I tried both celebrations.

"It’s a first time for me to have my family 'down under'; it’s a very long trip, but they came here to be with me and support me, and we’re spending a lot of quality time off the court together. My heart is full, and it allows me to play my best tennis.

"We have some big servers in the tournament. Super tall guys. They could have been top-class basketball players if they’d chosen to do that. Incredible strength and power. Opelka has been injured; a couple of years he has struggled a lot. A great guy off the court, we get along very well. I don’t know if we’ve ever faced each other.

"This is going to be the first encounter. My gosh, I’m probably going to have to step back a few steps for that first serve. Completely different match-up to the one I had tonight. I’ll do my best to get ready and hopefully get a win."