Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open defence is gathering pace after an impressive 6-3 6-2 win over world No.9 Gael Monfils levelled Serbia’s ATP Cup tie at 1-1 with France in Brisbane.

The world No.2 saved all nine break points he faced against the fluid Parisian and won the only three presented to him on a night he described on court after the win as one of the most humid of his career.

It was a must-win clash for his country after French livewire Benoit Paire’s fiery 6-2 6-7 (8-6) 6-4 defeat of Dusan Lajovic had put the French 1-0 up.

Djokovic will back-up in the decisive doubles rubber as Serbia looks to push to 2-0 in the tournament and within sight of a quarter-final berth.

The seven-time Australian Open champion was pushed by the in-form Monfils, who created enough chances but was denied by a man who has now beaten him in all 16 encounters.

Earlier Paire unloaded on two racquets and threw two drink bottles across the court after missing several chances to wrap up his clash in straight sets.

The world No.24 had to be counselled by his teammates as he stewed between sets, with Monfils even returning to the court to offer some words of advice.

“It was not easy when you have a lot of chances and when you serve for the match, when you lead 6-4 in the tie-break, it’s not easy,” Paire said.

“Honestly, you know, if I’m alone on court I can break more than the racquet, I can destroy all my racquets and leave the court.

“So that’s why they told me; just stay relaxed and you will see what happens.”