Novak Djokovic: "Knows what I have to do to get to the top in Roland Garros."
Novak Djokovic started successfully in the ATP Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo with a sure two-set success against Jannik Sinner. In the long term, however, the Serb only has the French Open in mind.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Apr 14, 2021, 06:48 pm
"I think" solid "is a good word to describe my performance"; said Djokovic on Wednesday after he had disenchanted something in the second round of the ATP Masters 1000 event from Monte Carlo youngster Jannik Sinner in two sentences. It was a usual self-critical Djokovic who appeared in front of the press that April afternoon. Even though it was the satisfaction with the performance that prevailed after a break of almost two months from competition.
Because since the Australian Open, which Djokovic won for the ninth time in February, the world number one has not played a match and has given regeneration the highest priority. Accordingly, the 33-year-old was happy to have made a good start to the Monte Carlo tournament. Especially since his opponent was anything but easy: "I have to be satisfied when I consider that it was my first game and that I had Sinner in front of me, who is a player who is fit and hits the ball very well. A successful future awaits him. "
Djokovic has a clear goal in mind
The near future for Djokovic himself lies in Monte Carlo - and bears the name Dan Evans. The Briton took Miami winner Hubert Hurkacz out of the tournament on Wednesday and will now face the industry leader from Belgrade. Meanwhile, he has been warned about Evans: "He moves well on the court, he is very dynamic and explosive. He also has a great forehand and a good serve, often goes to the net and uses the slice intelligently"; so Djokovic.
Although an ATP Masters 1000 title is currently up for grabs in the principality, the Serbian’s focus is noticeably on the French Open, which will conclude the European clay court season in Paris in just over a month. "I know what I have to do to prepare myself for Roland Garros in order to come to the top there. This is definitely the tournament where I want to play my best tennis on this surface,"emphasized the 18-time player Grand Slam Champion.
Before that, Djokovic would like to play a good tournament in Monte Carlo before moving on to another highlight - the ATP 250 event in his home town of Belgrade. Djokovic: "So there is still a long way to go before Paris. Hopefully I can play well and consistently and stay in the right physical condition.