Novak Djokovic has departed for Monte Carlo on Thursday according to Sport Klub. The Serb started his preparation for the European clay swing last weekend. He kicked off his training on the clay courts at Novak Tennis Center in Belgrade. Following a practice session with fellow Serb Flip Krajinovic on Thursday, Djokovic set off for Monte Carlo where he will be practice until the first clay Masters Tournament of the year formally begins on April 9.
Returning to Action in Monte Carlo
After closing his campaign in Dubai, Djokovic couldn’t participate in Sunshine Double where he as expected was denied entry for not being vaccinated against Covid-19. The 22-time Grand Slam Champion said he would shift his focus to the red dirt.
“I’m still waiting for the news from America. If there’s no America, I guess I’ll play clay. Monte-Carlo is probably the next tournament. If that’s the case, I’ll take some time off, I’ll prepare. Clay, as we’ve said, is the most demanding surface.
It takes time more than any other surface to prepare for. Look, the year is long. I started off the year in a best possible way, winning many matches in a row, winning Australian Open. That’s the one that I looked for the most.
That was the priority in this part of the year. Of course, any other tournament win is a bonus. I will always give everything I possibly can to play my best tennis in every tournament. Yeah, look forward to the next challenge,” Djokovic said.
The management from the Miami Masters conveyed Djokovic two weeks ago that he was not going to make it to the event. After missing both Indian Wells and Miami because of his ongoing non-vaccinated status, the hard court maestro is finally set to land his foot in Monte Carlo, where he has triumphed on two occasions.