Novak Djokovic gives update about the swollen eye infection ahead of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters

Novak Djokovic appeared to have a swollen eye while preparing for the Miami Open final against Jakub Mensik.


Novak Djokovic gives update about the swollen eye infection ahead of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters

Novak Djokovic (Image via X)

Novak Djokovic has admitted that he isn’t feeling 100% healthy going into the third Masters 1000 event of the season at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. The Serb is reportedly suffering from an eye infection that he sustained before the Miami Open final against Jakub Mensik.

Djokovic was seen with a swollen eye during his training on the center court in Miami, just hours before the final. The 37-year-old has shared an update about the issue, stating that he will see a doctor soon for more information.

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It’s a mild viral infection. I started to suffer on the day of the semi-finals in Miami and I struggled in the final, but I think it’s settling down. I’ll see the doctor today, we’ll see. I should be fine.

Novak Djokovic said while talking to the press in Monte-Carlo

The swollen eye adds to the growing list of injuries Djokovic has dealt with over the past 12 months. Last year, he went to Wimbledon after suffering a meniscus injury, but that didn’t stop him from winning the Olympic gold medal.

However, the injuries continued at the Australian Open, where he was dealing with a knee problem. He also shared an MRI scan of his knee to clear up doubts about the injury.

Novak Djokovic discusses potential meetup with Stanislas Wawrinka in Monte-Carlo

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic looks forward to a potential opening-round encounter with long-time rival Stan Wawrinka at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters. The Serb believes that the topic of longevity should apply equally to the three-time Grand Slam champion as it does to him.

Novak Djokovic and Stanislas Wawrinka
Novak Djokovic and Stanislas Wawrinka (via X)

People talk about my age, but what about him? He’s still strong. I love Stan, he is a great guy and a champion who has been underestimated with everything he has achieved. Three Grand Slams, Davis Cup, Olympic gold, he is a sports legend and really inspiring.

Novak Djokovic said in his pre-match press conference

Wawrinka and Djokovic have met 27 times on the ATP tour, with the Serb leading 21–6. Although the head-to-head record heavily favors the former World No. 1, the duo have been part of some of the most exciting matchups in the past decade.

Their most memorable encounters came at the Australian Open. From 2013 to 2015, they faced each other in every edition, with all of their matches going to five sets. Wawrinka memorably defeated Djokovic in the 2014 Australian Open quarterfinals on his way to the first Grand Slam title of his career.

Another thrilling match between them was the 2013 US Open semifinal, which Djokovic won. However, the Serb eventually lost to Rafael Nadal in a four-set final.

Novak Djokovic plays down expectations at Monte-Carlo

Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic has said he is not expecting too much from his run at the Monte-Carlo Masters. He is the third seed at the tournament and hopes to win it for the third time. Djokovic last won this event in 2013 and 2015. He is also aiming to win his 100th ATP title.

Novak Djokovic (2)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/NovakFanFan)

When it comes to this tournament, I have a special motivation, and I want to go as far as possible. However, my expectations are lower compared to other tournaments because I didn’t have enough time to prepare for clay and this tournament.

Novak Djokovic said in his pre-match press conference

The Serbian star came close to reaching that milestone at the Miami Open. He played well and reached the final without losing a set. But in the final, he lost to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik in two tie-breaks. The final score was 7-6(4), 7-6(4).

Djokovic is still one of the top players to watch in Monte Carlo. Last year, he reached the semi-finals of the same event. Many fans still see him as a strong contender for the title this year. However, the 37-year-old has been honest about his form. He has not won an ATP title since the ATP Finals in 2023. His only title since then has been the Olympic gold medal in Paris.