‘Novak Can Fit That Profile’ – American Tennis Legend Compares Novak Djokovic to Roger Federer and Says He Will Try to Break Rafael Nadal’s Record

The winner of 20 Grand Slam titles, Novak Djokovic, has been out of the tennis court for a lengthy period of time. So far, he has played only one tournament in 2022, i.e. Dubai Open. After his deportation from Australia, he hoped for a better tournament in Dubai. Unfortunately, he lost in the quarter-final to Jiri Vesely. 

Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Paris Masters – Accor Arena, Paris, France – November 7, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his final match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

Now, he will make his return once again at the Monte Carlo Masters to start his clay-court campaign. Before his return to the court, former American tennis player Pam Shriver talked about the Serb’s current form and expectations from the tournament.

Pam Shriver expects Novak Djokovic to have some fire in his belly

In the latest episode of the Inside-In podcast, the legendary American player, Pam Shriver, spoke about Novak Djokovic before his Monte Carlo return. According to the former tennis player, it could take Djokovic a couple of tournaments to get going. However, she expects the Serb to have some fire in his belly. 

“I expect him to be anywhere from really rusty, and if he has the wrong draw lose early, to win the tournament. So, in other words, I don’t quite know what to expect. There’s nobody that I know.”

“I guess 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,” Shriver said in the Inside-In podcast. 

“I think he’s going to have some fire in his belly.”

– @PHShriver joins Inside-In to discuss what to expect as @DjokerNole makes his long awaited return to tennis in Monte Carlo.

Full episode link: https://t.co/5sKoP3ZCLe pic.twitter.com/r4nTRFcEVJ

— TENNIS (@Tennis) April 9, 2022

“So, it’s possible, it might take him a couple of tournaments, but I think he’s gonna have some fire in his belly and he’s gonna try and get match Nadal at 21 sooner than later,” she further added about catching Rafael Nadal. 

Djokovic could play Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final at Monte Carlo

As Novak is ready to start his campaign on the 12th of April at Monte Carlo, winning the title will not be easy for the Serb. According to the recent draw, the no.1 seed could potentially face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final. Recently, the 18-year-old Spaniard won the Miami Open and has shown some scintillating form over the last month.

Oct 10, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) reacts after winning a point during in his second round match against Andy Murray (GBR) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

So, Djokovic needs to give his all to win the title at Monte Carlo. Also, it could take him a few more tournaments to get going, according to Pam Shriver. 

Watch This Story: Hilarious episodes of Novak Djokovic’s career

Can Djokovic win the Monte Carlo Masters? Let us know in the comments.

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