“He will be ready,” coach Goran Ivanisevic is optimistic about Novak Djokovic’s return to the Red dirt

Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic’s coach, stated that the Serb was “sick” in the lead-up to the Monte-Carlo Masters and was not match-ready. He does believe, though, that the Serb “will be ready” when he returns to the red dirt.

Novak Djokovic was forced to skip the Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami due to his lack of vaccination. Given France’s COVID-19 pass, it appeared at first that he would also miss the Monte-Carlo. However, a few weeks ago, the French government amended its laws, allowing Djokovic to play in the tournament.

In his second-round encounter at the competition, the Serb faced Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. However, he failed to make an impression in the match as he came back from a set down before eventually losing the third set against the Spaniard. The eventual score was 3-6, 7-6(5), 1-6.

“He wasn’t feeling well”- Goran Ivanisevic 

Goran Ivanisevic stated that Djokovic became ill before travelling to Monte-Carlo in an interview with Ubaldo Scanagatta of Ubitennis. “He wasn’t feeling well before he came here. He was sick. Let’s say he’s not fit one hundred percent to compete,” Ivanisevic said. 

“First of all in this situation. Three weeks ago he was not allowed to play here because of the Covid decision. Then France opened and he was allowed. And it’s difficult mentally. You can play to the semifinals. But you can’t prepare the way you would need to. And then he got sick. And, to be honest, I didn’t expect something spectacular from this tournament,” he added shortly.

However, the former World No. 2 feels the Serb will be poised to make a stunning comeback at this year’s French Open. “But he’ll be going to the French Open in five/six weeks, he’s got a couple more tournaments and he will be ready.”

When questioned if Novak Djokovic could have rediscovered his rhythm if he had beaten Davidovich Fokina, the 22 ATP Title holder stated that the best thing about Djokovic’s game is “He always finds a way to win”. “You never know. This guy for me is the best player in the history of tennis. He always finds a way to win, he always finds a way to get out of trouble.” 

Finally, the Croat feels Djokovic will reclaim his form this year as well, once he has played more matches. He noted, “He only had three matches prior to this tournament. Clay is not easy. Last year he started pretty badly here, he lost to Evans in the second round. Then in Belgrade, he lost in the semis. He started to play well in Rome where he got to the final, then he won the French Open. So I’m not worried. He just needs some continuity, he needs to play more and more matches and he’s going to find his way.”

Novak Djokovic to sweat it out on the other clay-court tournaments

Monte Carlo might have been a fantastic tournament for Novak Djokovic, as it sets the tone for his hopes of winning the French Open. However, he will have to rely on other clay-court competitions after falling to Davidovich Fokina. His next competition, which will take place on April 18th in Serbia, is now in the works.

Because the Covid laws and regulations vary from country to country, it’s unknown where he’ll play next after the home event in Belgrade. However, it’s evident that he’s not getting enough match practise right now. His anti-vaccine position, meanwhile, may prevent him from competing in any more tournaments during the clay-court season.

Also Read: “Twice as hard as normal” Novak Djokovic talks of his preparations going ahead in the Clay season

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