Novak Djokovic begins to answer some of his doubters with Monte Carlo win

Novak Djokovic’s sporting obituaries may have been written with a little too much haste.

At first glance, a win against Russia’s Roman Safiullin in the opening round of the Monte Carlo may not appear to have been a huge result, but the manner of his performance was a little more significant.

Djokovic played his first match since Indian Wells after choosing to skip Miami and then parting ways with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic.

With former Serbian doubles specialist Nenad Zimonjic guiding him from the stands, Djokovic, now the oldest men’s singles number one in history, eased to a 6-1 6-2 victory over Safiullin.

The 36-year-old said on Sky Sports: “I’m very pleased. Even in the games that I lost, I had break points in those games. Really good first match at the start of the clay season. I hope to maintain this rhythm.

“It has always been a little bit up and down. Last year as well, I started off well at this tournament and the second match I lost, so I hope to maintain this rhythm.

“I have a day tomorrow of training and I hope to come out in a few days with the same attitude and quality of tennis.”

Djokovic was also asked about his achievement of becoming the oldest world No 1 in tennis history, as he referenced his achievement being comparative to that of Rohan Bopanna, who is the doubles No 1 at the age of 44.

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“I mean, it’s nice. It’s great,” said Djokovic of his latest milestone achievement.

“I met Bopanna yesterday who’s the oldest doubles No 1 in history. He said we have a combined age of 80. He does contribute to the 80 more than I do, but it’s fun.

“To still compete at the highest level and to be No 1 age almost 37… it’s not something I was honestly dreaming of or planning on or thinking would become a reality.

“I think all the work and dedication to the sport and to my body and staying fit is paying off. I’ve been able to maintain the longevity and extend the career for years and years.”

Djokovic’s desire to compete at ATP 1000 events has been questioned in recent weeks, especially after he pulled out of the Miami Open to spend more time with his family.

That decision was backed up by a parting with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic, who suggested the 24-time Grand Slam champion was struggling to find motivation outside of Grand Slam tournaments.

“It’s not easy to come every day to training and to motivate yourself,” Ivanisevic told Tennis Majors.

“It’s easier for the Grand Slams, but for these Masters (tournaments), it’s hard to train with intensity over and over again, even for a perfectionist such as he.

“It requires strength, passion, and willpower. He wanted something different, to be more with family (and missed the Miami Open).

“I believe that Novak will find motivation, I am sure of it. I wish him Olympic gold with all my heart, even more than the Slams.”

Djokovic will not play his next match until Thursday and his path to the final in Monte Carlo has been cleared a little by Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the tournament.

Alcaraz was in the same half of the draw as Djokovic and was a potential semi-final opponent, but there are some big hitters still in his side of the draw, including Alexander Zverev and defending Monte Carlo champion Andrey Rublev.