Novak Djokovic said he hopes to hit the ground running at Monte Carlo, having begun preparations for the clay season early after the world No.1 was forced to skip tournaments in the US last month.
Djokovic, 35, who is unvaccinated against Covid-19, was unable to enter the country after unsuccessfully applying to the US government for special permission to play at Indian Wells and Miami.
The Australian Open champion last competed in early March when he lost in the Dubai semi-finals and said his enforced absence from the Tour helped him focus on Monte Carlo, where he lost in the second round last year.
“I’ve done more training on clay, which is positive if you think about the clay season,” said Djokovic, the 2013 and 2015 champion.
“I’ve not had much success in Monte Carlo in the past two seasons. So I’m hoping this year I can start the clay season better and build my form.”
With Rafael Nadal skipping Monte Carlo due to injury, Djokovic will also look to build momentum ahead of the French Open where the Serbian will target a 23rd grand slam to go ahead of the Spaniard.
Djokovic, who trains at Monaco, said home comforts could prove helpful is his quest for a record-extending 39th Masters 1000 crown at Monte Carlo.
“It’s a club I know well. Quite a few top players reside in Monaco and use this club as a training base,” Djokovic said.
Medvedev’s focus
Daniil Medvedev will be hoping to strike the right balance as the world No. 4 looks to tweak his game for the claycourt swing without compromising on the style that has delivered four titles in 2023.
“I definitely have to change my game because my strokes are too flat and clay doesn’t let the ball go through the court as much,” the Russian said.
“At the same time, you can’t change what you do in nine months or a year drastically, so I have to find a good balance.”
