Australian Open: Gael Monfils not interested in Djokovic ‘opportunities’ following first round win

The 35-year-old picked up his first win at the Grand Slam since 2020 after cruising past Argentina's Federico Coria.

It took Monfils just over 90 minutes to seal the 6-1 6-1 6-3 victory and book his place in the second round where he will face Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik.

Speaking after the match, Monfils said: "[I'm] feeling great. Great match. I think I played very solid tennis. Can't complain when you start a slam like that.

"I was just wondering about my neck because I blocked my neck last week. Obviously, it was better and better and today was good, I'm happy."

Inevitably, questions regarding the deportation of Novak Djokovic were asked during the post-match conference.

Monfils was quick to quash the first question about the Serb saying: "To be honest, I just think about the tournament now."

When asked whether the absence of the world number one would create an opportunity for other players at the Australian Open, the Frenchman added: "To be honest, it's great for you guys. I don't know, I don't see any opportunities.

"As I said, the opportunity is to play the next match after each win. Whatever, I don't know where he was in the draw, who gets the opportunities, or whatever. I'm just happy to have another opportunity to win another match and maybe go to another third round in the Australian Open."

Monfils bowed out during the first round of last year's Australian Open following a 3-2 loss to Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori.