Novak Djokovic is starting the clay swing while keeping expectations low but asserts that he will enter the Monte-Carlo Masters in an enthusiastic manner.
Unlike in previous years when he kicked off his tennis calendar by winning titles at the Australian Open, Dubai or the Sunshine Double, the 24-time Grand Slam champion remains trophy-less so far this year.
He was part of the Serbian squad that were knocked out in the final 8 at the United Cup before getting downed by Jannik Sinner in the semifinal of the Australian Open. Skipping the Middle East swing, Djokovic returned at the Indian Wells Open but was beaten by lucky loser Luca Nardi in his R3 match before he pulled out of the Miami.
Next up is the opening clay Masters 1000 event of the year in Monte-Carlo and Djokovic has struggled in the last couple of years.
Djokovic’s Monte-Carlo Record
After finishing runner-up in 2009 and 2012, Djokovic’s first title at the Principality came in 2023 where he dethroned defending champion Rafael Nadal in the final and two years later he clinched a second title by beating Tomas Berdych in the final.
However, the legendary Serbian has failed to make it past the quarterfinal since then and in the last years his best result was qualifying for the R3.
“My expectations are not very high, with the way I have been playing this year at the tournaments and also the results that I had in Monaco in previous years were not great, so I keep my expectations low,” Djokovic said. “For me it is about building my game on clay courts and trying to reach the peak again.
“Some players like myself, require a little more time to reach the top level of tennis. Earlier in my career I was doing better in Monte-Carlo, said 37-year-old.
“I won titles in 2013 and 2015, quite a long time ago. The last five or six editions here have not been that successful and I am always hoping that could change.
“I am going into the tournament with enthusiasm and excitement that I am here. I didn’t play in Miami, so had extra time to practise on clay and get my body and game adjusted to this surface so let’s see how it goes.”
But the World No. 1 believes that home comforts can make some difference as Monte-Carlo is his home event and he has better understanding of the courts at the Principality.
“I always love playing in Monte-Carlo. It has been a residence of mine for many years. Both of my children were born in Monte-Carlo, so I consider it a home and a place where I spend countless hours of training in this club,” he said.
“I know people working on the courts and it feels comfortable. It is added pressure when you want to play your best in a home environment. Also, the fact that clay is the most demanding surface in my sport.”