Novak Djokovic 'motivated' to hit clay running on Monte Carlo return

MONTE CARLO – Novak Djokovic says he is “motivated” to make a better-than-usual start to the clay-court season in Monte Carlo as he tunes up for a 23rd Grand Slam bid at the French Open.

The Serb is back in action after failing to get a waiver to enter the United States for the Indian Wells and Miami Open tournaments in March due to his anti-Covid-19 vaccination stance.

“I hope I will start well, because the last three tournaments in Monte Carlo I have not been very successful,” said the world No. 1, who is due to start in the second round against either American Mackenzie McDonald or Russian Ivan Gakhov.

“And I’m also motivated because I didn’t play for the past month.”

A winner in 2013 and 2015, Djokovic will fancy his chances of going far in a tournament robbed of 11-time champion Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz due to injury.

The reigning Australian Open champion is familiar with every inch of clay in Monte Carlo, his local club.

“I know the club very well. I’m one of the players who lives in Monaco and use this club as a training base,” Djokovic added.

“It’s a great feeling sleeping in your own bed and being able to have kind of a home feeling of playing in the tournament.”

At 35, Djokovic also said he is more selective about his playing commitments these days.

“Things are not the same like they were 10 years ago in terms of the energy that I have to play as many tournaments as the other younger guys,” he explained.

“So of course I do pick and choose where I want to peak and how I want to build my form... There are certain events, in this case, of course, Grand Slams are the tournaments where I peak.

“So for the clay season it’s no secret where I want to be able to play my best tennis – it’s Roland Garros.”

As for the missing Nadal, Djokovic conceded it was a “loss” for the tournament before quickly adding: “On the other hand it’s an opportunity for all of us when he’s not there to try to go far and grab a title.”

Djokovic was beaten in his opening match in Monte Carlo in 2022 by Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who went on to reach the final before losing to defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Separately, Frances Tiafoe defeated Thomas Etcheverry 7-6 (7-1), 7-6 (8-6) to win the clay-court title in Houston on a double-duty day in Texas.

The American had to win twice on Sunday to secure the crown thanks to the weather delays earlier in the week.

After beating Gijs Brouwer 6-4, 6-1 in the semi-finals, he said he was up for the challenge.

“I’m running on adrenaline,” Tiafoe told the crowd after beating Brouwer. “I’m on a mission so I’m happy.”

By Sunday night it was mission accomplished as he claimed his second ATP title and his first since 2018 in Delray Beach. AFP