Novak Djokovic wants to hit top gear on slippery clay in Monte Carlo

Novak Djokovic, the world’s number one tennis player, will be leading the Monte Carlo Masters as the top seed to kick off the clay-court swing of the season. After reaching the semi-finals in Dubai in March, Djokovic has not played any matches and is determined to have a stronger start to the clay season than in previous years.

Due to recent circumstances, Novak Djokovic has had to get used to extended periods without participating in matches. He recognizes the importance of having a strong beginning, which is why he has been training extensively on clay and aims to enhance his form as the tournament progresses. Djokovic has not had much success in Monte Carlo in the previous two years and had a surprising loss in the first round last year.

Although Djokovic has experienced losses in the tournament in the past two years, he has emerged victorious twice before in 2013 and 2015. He has been training at the Monte Carlo Country Club, which provides him with a sense of familiarity and an advantage as if playing on his home turf. He said: “The atmosphere is amazing, with the club being so intimate and small. It is noisy and great. People are so excited to watch tennis and this is the tournament that has been successful throughout the history of our sport.”

During his pre-tournament press conference, Djokovic stated that he has been training on clay more extensively, which is beneficial for the upcoming clay season. He acknowledges that he has not performed well in Monte Carlo in the past two years, but hopes to have a stronger start this year and improve his form as the tournament progresses. His first match will be against either American player Mackenzie McDonald or a qualifier.

Also Read: Belinda Bencic calls Ons Jabeur ‘a pain to play against’ after losing at the Charleston Open finals

Novak Djokovic acknowledges Rafael Nadal’s unrivaled success on clay courts

Novak Djokovic will have to postpone his next encounter with Rafael Nadal on the tennis court, as their last meeting took place at the French Open in the quarterfinals, where Nadal won. Djokovic acknowledges that Nadal is, by far, the most successful player on clay courts in tennis history, and looks forward to competing against him again on his preferred surface.

Djokovic and Nadal had the opportunity to face each other in the Wimbledon Championships final last year, but while Djokovic made it to the final match, Nadal withdrew from his semifinal match against Nick Kyrgios due to injury. This year, Nadal has faced obstacles due to fitness concerns, causing him to withdraw from tournaments after the Australian Open, where he lost in the second round, while Djokovic won the championship and his 22nd Grand Slam title.

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the current Monte-Carlo Masters, while Novak Djokovic, a 22-time Major winner, is the top seed. Prior to his first match, Djokovic expressed disappointment over his rival’s absence, considering it a loss for both the tournament and the sport of tennis. Although Rafael Nadal has won 11 titles in Monte-Carlo, his absence from the tournament presents an opportunity for Novak Djokovic and other competitors to potentially win the title, as the 35-year-old acknowledged.

In case you missed it:

• Boris Becker spells out reasons for coaching split with Novak Djokovic
• Stefanos Tsitsipas argues for a longer clay and grass season

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW