"Sorry, not sorry" – Novak Djokovic autographs shirt for Gael Monfils, writes unapologetic message after beating him for 19th time

Gael Monfils took his Cincinnati Open defeat to Novak Djokovic on Thursday in stride. The Frenchman asked Djokovic for an autograph following his record-setting 19th loss to the Serb.

In a clash of veterans, Djokovic took on Monfils in the third round of the Cincinnati Open on Thursday. It marked the duo’s 19th tour-level match, with Djokovic winning all the 18 previous encounters.

The latest match was no different as the Serb defeated Monfils 6-3, 6-2 in one hour and eight minutes. By doing so, Djokovic set a new record for the biggest undefeated head-to-head, surpassing Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic was previously tied with the Spaniard, who holds an 18-0 win record against fellow veteran Richard Gasquet.

Taking the discouraging record on the chin, Gael Monfils asked Novak Djokovic for his autograph on the outfit he wore during the match. The Frenchman shared the picture on social media, showing his fellow 36-year-old’s signature and the unapologetic message that accompanied it.

“#19. 17.08.23. Sorry, not sorry,” Djokovic wrote, adding a smiley.

Monfils called Djokovic "the greatest of all time" as he reflected on his 19th consecutive loss at the hands of the Serb.

“It may not have been the match I was hoping for against the GOAT, but it's still an honor and a pleasure to face @DjokerNole. Despite everything, it remains a positive week. I'm going to rest to be on top at the US Open. Thank you so much for your incredible support,” he wrote.

Gael Monfils has produced some age-defying results over the last couple of weeks despite sounding retirement concerns. The former World No. 6 earned redemption at the 2023 Canadian Open, a year after he picked up a foot injury at the tournament.

Monfils made the quarterfinals in Toronto with convincing victories over Aleksandar Vukic, World No. 29 Christopher Eubanks and World No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas.

At the Cincinnati Open, the Frenchman defeated 2021 Indian Wells champion Cameron Norrie and recent Canadian Open runner-up Alex de Minaur before bowing out against Djokovic.

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Novak Djokovic to take on Taylor Fritz after victory over Gael Monfils at the 2023 Cincinnati Open

The Serb and the Frenchman at the Cincinnati Open

The Cincinnati Open marks Novak Djokovic’s first and only appearance during the North American hardcourt swing in the lead-up to the 2023 US Open.

The World No. 2, who entered the country following a two-year ban due to his unvaccinated status, kicked off his campaign in the second round against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. He emerged victorious 6-4, 0-0 (ret.) as the Spaniard retired due to injury after the opening set.

With his latest third-round victory over Gael Monfils, the Serb is through to the quarterfinals, where he will face home favorite Taylor Fritz.

Novak Djokovic is in pursuit of his third title at the Masters 1000 Cincinnati Open, having lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2020.