Novak Djokovic out to put Monte Carlo disappointment behind him

James Richardson 17 Apr 2023 10:20 PM

Novak Djokovic blowing a kiss

World No 1 Novak Djokovic is eager to move on from his defeat at the Monte Carlo Masters last week.

The ATP Tour fragments into three distinct tournaments this week with events in Barcelona, Munich and Banja Luka.

Djokovic is thrilled to be able to play a competitive tournament in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

He has entered the event with strong ties already in existence between both himself and Bosnian tennis as well as the connection between the Serbian Tennis Federation and their counterparts in the neighbouring state.

Djokovic has done extensive charity work across the entire region and is known as a friend to the local people.

“It feels great to be here. I’ve been to Banja Luka several times in the past, once to visit the president and to receive a medal of honor and then the second time was in 2009, I played with Viktor Troicki an exhibition match in an indoor facility here,” Djokovic said.

“So I remember those couple of visits really fondly.”

Fans packed into the stadium earlier this week just to see Djokovic practice ahead of his return to court this week.

He says that the reception is always great at Banja Luka for Serbian players and expects a warm crowd reception.

“The people welcome me wholeheartedly with great reception and so much love and support,” Djokovic said. “So I’m super excited to be here because I think it’s one of the best places for us Serbian tennis players and athletes in general to be able to perform where we have so much love and support from local people.”

Djokovic is set to begin his tournament in Banja Luka against Frenchman Luca Van Assche, who battled past World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 in a stunning result on Monday.

Van Assche gradually won the crowd over during that match, noting afterwards how the fans got behind him.

“I’m very happy with my win. It was a pleasure to play in front of you all,” said the 18-year-old French Next-Gen star.

“It’s normal that at the beginning [the fans] were for Stan because he’s an amazing legend of the sport and I’m very happy to win this match.”

The teenaged world No 87 is well aware that the crowd are unlikely to give him the same backing when he takes on Djokovic.

“It will be incredible for me and I’m only 18,” he said.

“I know that the crowd will not be with me, I think, but I will enjoy it and I will try to win.”