Published on April 10, 2023 at 10:09 p.m.
On the eve of his entry into the running in Monte-Carlo, this Tuesday against the Russian Gakhov, Novak Djokovic spoke about this edition which will take place without the record holder of victories Rafael Nadal. For the Serbian, twice winner, the opportunity is unique in the absence of the Spaniard and it should not be missed.
Paradoxically, while the Monte-Carlo tournament kicked off on Monday, there is still a lot of talk about the players who are not there. Not necessarily Carlos Alcaraz, who has already resumed training, nor even Felix Auger-Aliassime or Tommy Paul, also forced to give up this first Masters 1000 on clay of the season, but obviously Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard, eleven times titled, intended to return to success in the Principality, where he has not triumphed since 2018 and where he has not set foot for two years (in 2021, he had been knocked out in quarter-finals by Andrey Rublev). A left thigh injury contracted in Melbourne decided otherwise. On the eve of making his debut in this tournament, which he won twice (in 2013 and 2015), Novak Djokovic deplored the absence of his rival.
Djokovic: “An opportunity to try to win a title”
“It’s a loss for the tournament and for tennis in general, because he is what he is, by far the most successful clay court player of all time. However, the Serb also sees this withdrawal of the best player in the history of the surface as a magnificent opportunity to lift the trophy. And the world number 1 was clear this Monday in front of the press: he does not want to let the opportunity pass. “On the other hand, I think it’s an opportunity for all of us, when he’s not around, to try to go far and win a title,” said the “Djoker”, who will enter the competition on Tuesday against the Russian Ivan Gakhov, 186th in the world, and Sunday in the second qualifying round of the Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.
Djokovic: “The first two matches on clay are the most important for me”
The man with 22 Grand Slam titles, incidentally resident of Monaco, did not hide Monday that he expected a lot from this first match on earth as he expects a lot from… the second too. “I know from my career and my experience that the first two matches of my season on clay are the most important for me”, explained Djokovic in a press conference, admitting a huge motivation. “I hope to start well this year because my last three participations in the Masters 1000 in Monaco have not been good. And I’m motivated because I haven’t played in the United States. All those who hope to deprive the world number 1 of his third coronation on the Rock are warned.