Novak Djokovic makes ‘not ideal’ confession about eye problem
Novak Djokovic has admitted that he had doubts that he would be able to compete at the Monte Carlo Masters as he is “still managing a few things health-wise”, including an eye infection.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner has struggled with various fitness and health problems in recent months as he was troubled by a hamstring injury at the Australian Open as he was forced to retire from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
After it was initially suggested he would spend several months on the sidelines, Djokovic returned at the Qatar Open in February while he also competed at the recently concluded Sunshine Double, the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open.
After reaching the final of the Miami Open, Djokovic was picked with a swollen eye during practice as it emerged he had a stye.
Although it improved in the lead-up to the showpiece encounter against Jakub Mensik, he was still troubled by it during the match as the Czech teenager went on to win his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title with a two-set win over the tennis great.
Djokovic didn’t compete on the ATP Tour last week, but he will kick off his clay-court campaign at the Monte Carlo Masters this week and he has revealed that he did consider pulling out.
“It [Monte Carlo participation] was [in doubt]. Particularly because of the infection of the eye and and a little bit of a viral infection I’ve been dealing with last week, but it seems to be okay these days. I mean, not ideal,” the two-time Monte Carlo champion stated.
“Well the eye, yes. Unfortunately, it started semi-finals day in Miami and so I did struggle with it in the finals.
“But it’s calming down, I guess. I mean, I’m visiting the doctor later today, so let’s see, should be okay for the first round here.
“I have a few more days until the eventual first round. I am still trying to get used to the clay; still managing a few things health-wise. Hopefully I’ll be ready.”
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Djokovic finds himself in the top half of the Masters 1000 event draw and will face either Stan Wawrinka or Alejandro Tabilo in the second round on Tuesday.
He is projected to meet either eighth seed Alex de Minaur or ninth seed Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-final while top seed Alexander Zverev could await in the semi-final.
Djokovic has not won a title since securing the gold medal at the Paris Olympics in August last year and he conceded that his expectations for Monte Carlo are low as his main goal is the French Open.
“It’s more about trying to get matches and as many as possible, and obviously try to peak towards the end of the clay season, which is, of course, most importantly in Paris,” he said.
