Novak Djokovic outlasts Gael Monfils in Abu Dhabi

Novak Djokovic has won his opening match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship by defeating Gael Monfils in three sets.

The Serbian world number one began the match with a trademark backhand down the line in the opening point before going on to claim the first set 6-2.

Monfils hit back in the second as both players produced entertaining rallies in front of a jubilant Abu Dhabi crowd.

The Frenchman took the tie to a third set after securing the second 6-4, although he continually produced crowd-pleasing efforts where he could have finished a point off.

In the third set the match looked more like a proper tour encounter, with both players fighting to claim victory but it was Djokovic who broke twice to close it out 6-2.

Djokovic, 24, will face Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the exhibition event.