Novak Djokovic - Full steam ahead into the comeback in Monte Carlo
Novak Djokovic returns to the tour after a week-long break at the Masters in Monte Carlo - and the signs are favorable for the number one in the world.
by SID
last edit: Apr 07, 2022, 04:21 pm
Novak Djokovic slides down the red ash at Monte Carlo Country Club and whips his two-handed backhand over the net. His trainer Goran Ivanisevic is standing next to the pitch and watching the intensive training session with Jannik Sinner from South Tyrol very closely. Everything should fit before the comeback of the long-time tour dominator, who suddenly gets involved again with the start of the clay court season.
And Djokovic not only wants to be there at the Masters in the Principality from Sunday. The 34-year-old Serb, who missed the three most important tournaments of the year in Melbourne, Indian Wells and Miami because of his refusal to vaccinate, has a lot of catching up to do. It is important to consolidate the narrow lead in the world rankings, which he got back from the Russian Daniil Medvedev through no fault of his own. And to position himself for his big goal: defending his title at the French Open.
skymontecarlo2022
"When he's at his best, I think Djokovic is the best player in the world, even on clay," said coaching guru Patrick Mouratoglou, who counts Stefanos Tsitsipas, Djokovic's opponent in last year's final in Paris, among his protégés.
Djokovic is allowed to defend his title at Roland Garros
But Djokovic has to find his rhythm again, build up the physique and conviction that made the exceptional athlete almost unbeatable at times last season. "I lack match practice, you can see that," he said after his surprising quarter-final in Dubai against the Czech Jiri Vesely. At the hard court tournament, "Djoker" had his only and last appearance on an ATP stage this year - and that was six weeks ago.
After his expulsion from Australia, Djokovic said that he would stick to his point of view of a free decision about vaccination and thus accept missing tournaments. "I'm willing to pay the price," he said.
Due to the relaxation of the authorities, Djokovic is now allowed to go back to the center courts. And the prospects of defending the title in Paris and catching up with the 21st Grand Slam victory to Australian Open winner Rafael Nadal seem good. The Spaniard is injured for weeks like Medvedev, so their preparation for the French Open is severely disrupted. World number three Alexander Zverev was also recently out of shape.
Djokovic, on the other hand, had plenty of time to prepare perfectly for the clay court season. He lives in the Principality and has had his training base at the picturesque Masters facility in Monte Carlo for more than 15 years. The conditions for a successful comeback could be worse.
montemap