US Open: Djokovic, Monfils renew rivalry

Novak Djokovic boasts a dozen wins in as many matches against Gael Monfils, but the world number one remains wary of the exuberant Frenchman heading into their US Open semi-final showdown on Friday.

“He seems more focused at this time of his career,” Djokovic said. “Especially the hard court (season) this year, maybe he’s playing the best tennis he ever played. He’s very consistent. He hasn’t dropped a set till semis.

“That says a lot about the level he’s on.”

Tenth-seeded Monfils booked his first Grand Slam semi-final since Roland Garros in 2008 with a crisp 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 victory over weary compatriot Lucas Pouille.

Pouille, 22, was coming off three successive five-setters — the last of them a stunning triumph over 14-time major winner Rafael Nadal.

There was little of the leaping and diving from Monfils that fans have come to love — and which Djokovic himself said makes Monfils one of his favorite players to watch.

“He’s one of the few players that I will definitely pay a ticket to watch,” Djokovic said. “He’s very charismatic. Plays with a smile. Enjoys tennis, enjoys life.”

For all that admiration, Djokovic has dominated Monfils. Since the French player won a developmental Futures Tour clash with the Serb in 2004, Djokovic has won all 12 of their ATP level meetings.

That includes a five-set first-round victory at the 2005 US Open and a straight-sets quarter-final win at Flushing Meadows in 2010.

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