“He’ll have fire in his stomach,” doubles legend Pam Shriver is optimistic about Novak Djokovic’s comeback to the court

Pam Shriver anticipates Novak Djokovic will return to action at the 2022 Monte-Carlo Masters with “fire in his belly.” Former World No. 1 in doubles believes the Serb will be motivated to equal Rafael Nadal’s 21 Grand Slam trophies “sooner than later.”

At the Monte-Carlo Masters, which began today, the 34-year-old will compete in only his second event of the season. In his only other appearance in 2022, he was defeated by Jiri Vesely in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships in February.

“He’s going to try and match Nadal at 21 Grand Slams”- Pam Shriver

Pam Shriver, a real doubles icon who won 21 Grand Slam championships in doubles between 1979 and 1997, discussed Novak Djokovic’s comeback to the courts this week at the Masters 1000 of Monte-Carlo on the Tennis.com podcast.

Shriver admitted that she wasn’t sure what to anticipate from the Serb when he returned, considering his lack of previous activity. The 20-time Major champion, however, was identified by the American as a player capable of winning consecutive tournaments after a period of dormancy.

“I expect him to be anywhere from really rusty, and if he has the wrong draw to lose early, to win the tournament,” Shriver said. “So, in other words, I don’t quite know what to expect. There’s nobody that I know – I guess maybe Ash Barty would be the closest one, Serena in her prime, Roger occasionally – and I guess Novak can fit that profile right? Players who can take such a long period of time off and then get right back at it and win.

“So it’s possible,” Shriver continued. “It might take him a couple of tournaments. But I think he’s going to have some fire in his belly and he’s going to try and match Nadal at 21 [Grand Slams] sooner than later.”

Novak Djokovic eyes the 3rd title in the Monte-Carlo Masters

Djokovic will be aiming for a third triumph in Monte Carlo as he attempts to enhance his form in the events leading up to Roland Garros, where he is the defending champion. With Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, unable to compete in Monte Carlo due to a rib stress fracture, Novak Djokovic will be optimistic about his chances. Although Nadal, who has a record 11 championships in Monte Carlo, is not there, the red-hot Carlos Alcaraz and reigning champion Stefanos Tsistsipas are still in Djokovic’s way.

Being the top-seeded player, Djokovic received a bye in the first round and he is all set to lock horns with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the 2nd round of the ATP Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday.

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