Novak Djokovic will hope his lack of competitive match at the 2016 US Open would turn out well when he faces French Gael Monfils in the semifinal round of the tournament at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic received yet another easy access to advance deeper at the US Open after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga retired from their quarterfinal clash due to a knee injury. Djokovic, who won over Tsonga in two sets 6-3 6-2, believes he is getting better despite the lack of competitive matches at the final Grand Slam event of the year.
"I put myself in a position again to be one match away from the final. As the tournament progresses, I feel like I'm getting better," Djokovic said, reports the ATP's official website. "I'm reaching my peak in terms of my form."
Djokovic next faces Monfils, who defeated compatriot Lucas Pouille 6-4 6-3 6-3 to earn his first semifinal appearance at the US Open. Monfils has been riding one the best seasons of his career, winning his sixth ATP World Tour title in Washington and in strong contention to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.
"My health has been big trouble all my career, and now it is somehow stabilized," Monfils said. "I think it helps me a lot to be stronger."
However, it will be an uphill battle for Monfils, who has yet to win a match against Djokovic in all 12 of their FedEx ATP Head2Head matchups. Their most recent meeting was in the semifinals of the ATP Masters 1000 in Canada, where Djokovic defeated Monfils in straight sets.
The winner between Djokovic and Monfils will move into the final round and could face either Kei Nishikori or Stan Wawrinka. Nishikori pulled off a stunner over Andy Murray, winning in five sets 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-1 7-5, while Wawrinka halted Juan Martin Del Potro's impressive run via a four-setter victory 7-6(5) 4-6 6-3 6-2.
Live streaming info and score updates
Watch US Open 2016: Novak Djokovic vs Gael Monfils live via WatchESPN or visit the US Open's official website. Live scores will be available during game days at the US Open's official website.