Novak Djokovic opens up on the home comforts of the Monte Carlo Masters

Novak Djokovic plays a shot

World No 1 Novak Djokovic is thrilled to be able to get back into ATP Tour action at the Monte Carlo Country Club.

Djokovic has a residence in Monaco which means that he, and the other players who rent or own places in the playground of the rich and famous.

He has won the title in Monaco twice and with Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz out, he will be among the favourites.

“It is a club I know very well. Quite a few top players reside in Monaco and use this club as a training base. The club transforms incredibly during the weeks of the tournament, but it is a great feeling to sleep in your own bed.

“The atmosphere is amazing, with the club being so intimate and small. It is noisy and great. People are so excited to watch tennis and this is the tournament that has been successful throughout the history of our sport.”

“I have done more training on clay, which is positive if you think about the clay season,” Novak Djokovic said in his pre-tournament press conference. “I have not had much success in Monte Carlo in the past two seasons. I haven’t played great tennis here, so I am hoping this year I can start the clay season better than in previous years and build my form.”

Djokovic highlighted the importance of starting well at the Monte Carlo Country Club.

“From my experience and career on clay, I can say that the first two on this surface are the most important for me because it is very difficult to start well,” Djokovic told L’Equipe.

Djokovic believes that Alcaraz has been great for the sport since his breakout 2022 campaign put him on the map.

The pair have duelled for the ATP’s No 1 ranking in a back and forth that has captivated the tennis world.

“It’s amazing for our sport to have a champion like him,” Djokovic said when asked about the young Spaniard.

“And he’s so young… It’s also refreshing to have another great rivalry that excites people, the one between him and Jannik Sinner. We have seen exciting matches between them at Indian Wells and Miami. I’m sure these two guys, as well as Holger Rune, will be the leaders. They might be the next Big 3 (smiling).”

As the top seed in Monte Carlo, Djokovic enjoys a bye into the second round where he will meet either American Mackenzie McDonald or a qualifier.

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