Novak Djokovic, one of tennis’s greatest athletes, is hoping for a speedy recovery from an eye infection that hindered his performance at the recent Miami Open. The Serb experienced a challenging defeat in the finals, losing 7-6(4) 7-6(4), and while he has disclosed that he has not fully recuperated from the infection, he remains optimistic. As he gears up for his next appearance at the Monte Carlo Masters, Djokovic is focused on winning his 100th ATP singles title.
The issue with his eye began during the semi-finals in Miami, which persisted into the finals. Djokovic commented, “It started on semi-finals day in Miami, and I did struggle with it in the final, but it’s calming down, I guess.” To address the problem, he has planned a visit to the doctor and expressed hope that the situation will improve soon. Despite these challenges, Djokovic is committed to being present for the tournament, as he stated: “I was going to be here with the family anyway. I wanted to give myself the best chance to play in the tournament.” He acknowledges that he has several days to prepare before the eventual first-round match.
This preparation is especially pertinent as Djokovic looks towards future significant tournaments, including the prestigious French Open at Roland-Garros, which is set to commence on May 25. The French Open holds special importance for Djokovic, as he aims to secure his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, further solidifying his legacy in the sport. Prior to the French Open, Djokovic has a packed schedule with potential competitions in Madrid, Rome, and Monte Carlo — all of which will serve as valuable preparation for the clay court season.
Transitioning from hard courts to clay surfaces is no easy feat, and Djokovic has openly stated that any tournaments he participates in will be treated as practice opportunities. He explained the unique challenges clay courts present: “It’s obviously a completely different surface, and I didn’t have much time to get used to this tournament, so my expectations are not really high for the results here.” His focus is on accumulating match play rather than securing immediate victories, with the aim of peaking at the end of the clay season in Paris.
Djokovic’s past successes at the French Open include wins in 2016, 2021, and 2023, underscoring his prowess on clay. However, he acknowledges that adapting to this surface can be unpredictable. Reflecting on his struggles to find his rhythm on clay, Djokovic stated, “I’ve been struggling over the years to find the best game for the opening week of the clay.” His strategy involves playing more matches to improve his performance, emphasizing that he has learned to approach the early weeks of clay with tempered expectations.
The Monte Carlo Masters holds a special significance for Djokovic, who is a two-time champion of the event, although notably, his last title came in 2015. The tournament format grants him a bye into the second round, where he may face veteran rival Stanislas Wawrinka, who at 40, continues to impress in the sport. Djokovic expressed admiration for Wawrinka’s enduring success, saying, “People talk about my age, but what about him? He’s 40 and he’s still going strong. I love Stan. It would be a nice duel of veterans if we meet on the court.”
In conclusion, while Novak Djokovic faces health challenges and a transition back to clay courts, his focus remains steadfast on achieving success in the upcoming tournaments. With the French Open on the horizon, he aims not only to prepare effectively but also to capture another Grand Slam title that would further cement his place in tennis history. As he highlights the unpredictability of early clay court matches, Djokovic adopts a patient approach, aiming for gradual improvement while keeping his ultimate goal firmly in sight.