It looks like Novak Djokovic is having the toughest year of his career in 2022. After being deported from Australia due to a vaccination row in January, he has just played two tournaments so far. The Serb played his first tournament in Dubai, where he was shocked by Jiri Vesely in a quarterfinal defeat. Further, Djokovic was forced to withdraw from Indian Wells and Maimi Masters following the vaccination mandate in the US, allowing Daniil Medvedev to replace him as the world no. 1 for a short while. However, the Serb regained the top ATP spot after the Russian player lost in the Indian Wells quarterfinals.
Novak made the most awaited comeback at the Monte Carlo Masters. He was considered to be the favorite to win the tournament due to the absence of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Daniil Medvedev. However, the 20-time Grand slam champ received another stunner during his first match of the clay season. The 22-year-old Alejandro Davidovich Fokina defeated Novak Djokovic during the second round, knocking the Serb out of the tournament. Recently, Nole admitted that he was not completely ready to play at the clay-court in the Monte Carlo and would need more time to get accustomed to the tough conditions.
Novak Djokovic Sheds Light On His Monte Carlo Loss
Fans were disappointed to see World No. 1 losing in the second round at Monte Carlo during his most-anticipated comeback game. He lost the first set against the Fokina and tried to make a strong comeback during the hard-fought second set. Nole managed to win the second set. However, the young Spaniard appeared to have had more gas left in him and won the third set with 6-1 to hand the Serb an embarrassing defeat.
After his loss at Monte Carlo, Djokovic explained that his lack of preparation was the reason behind his loss. Nole told the reporters that he was not fully ready for the tournament in Monte Carlo. Moreover, the 34-year-old was aware of the fact before the tournament started. Earlier, Nole’s coach also revealed that he was sick before the start of the tournament in Monaco.
Novak Will Play At The Serbian Open
It is tough for the best tennis players in the world to transition from hard court to clay court. Djokovic played one tournament on the hardcourt in Dubai and spent most of his time practicing on a similar court. Thus, the Serb admitted that he would need more time to get his grip on the red surface. Nole told that he needed more match practice. He added, “This is the surface that requires a lot of time on the court during training sessions, and even more during matches.”
Djokovic will certainly need a lot of practice on the clay court if he wishes to repeat last year’s feat of winning the Roland Garros. Novak said that he was excited to play more matches and face more competition to get his game closer to the desired level. After Monte Carlo, Novak will start his Serbian Open campaign in the second round against fellow Serbian Laslo Djere. Hopefully, the world no. 1 will get all the practice he needs on the clay court to win the 2022 French Open in May. Novak is also set to participate in the upcoming Rome and Madrid Masters to prepare for the Roland Garros.