‘I Was Not Fully Ready’- Novak Djokovic Says He Wasn’t a 100% at Monte Carlo Masters 2022

Novak Djokovic admits to not being completely ready for the Monte Carlo Masters. Following his vaccination stand, Djokovic has been having one of the worst years of his career. Four months since the start of the 2022 season, the World No. 1 has played just 2 tournaments so far. He first played the Dubai Open, losing in the quarterfinals.

Recently, the Serb played at the much-anticipated Monte Carlo Masters. However, continuing to see a downfall, Djokovic faced an opening-match defeat in the clay-court event.

Novak Djokovic on his performance at Monte Carlo Masters

Entering the tournament as the top seed, Djokovic received a first-round bye. Starting his tournament campaign, he faced 22-year-old Spaniard, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Losing the opening set, he made a slight comeback in a hard-fought second set. However, far from his peak performance, Djokovic saw a major setback in the third set, losing the set by winning just one game.

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Following his Monte Carlo loss, recently, while talking to a media house, Djokovic opened up about his performance at the Masters tournament. Explaining the reason behind his loss, Djokovic admitted that he wasn’t completely ready for the tournament.

“I was not fully ready for the tournament in Monte Carlo and I knew that before the tournament started,” he said.

Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Monte Carlo Masters – Monte-Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France – April 12, 2022 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic during his second round match against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Having a smooth transition from hard court to clay court is unquestionably not an easy task for players. Having a different court feel, both surfaces possess a different game temperament. Priorly playing on the hard courts of Dubai, and spending a major time of his training on hard court, Djokovic confessed to needing more time on the red surface.

He said, “However, I need match practice, and this is the surface that requires a lot of time spent on the court during training sessions, and even more during matches.”

Djokovic eyeing the Paris title?

Djokovic lost the Monte Carlo Masters. However, the Serbian doesn’t seem to lose hope. Instead, he wishes to play more matches before Roland Garros in order to reach his desired level. Going further in the conversation, Djokovic asserted that he is excited about the fact that he will be playing more matches to reach his prime.

“I’m excited to play more matches. I feel like I need more matches, more competition, and more match play to get my game closer to the desired level,” he confessed.

Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Monte Carlo Masters – Monte-Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France – April 12, 2022 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his second round match against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina REUTERS/Denis Balibouse TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Following his second-round loss in Monte Carlo, Djokovic is now playing at the Serbia Open. Being the top-seeded player, he has received a first-round bye. Kicking off his tournament in the second round, he will face fellow Serbian Laslo Djere. Apart from the Serbian Open, Djokovic is also scheduled to play in the upcoming Rome and the Madrid Masters.

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