Novak Djokovic arrives at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters chasing his first title since he captured gold at the Paris Olympics last July. Aged 37, the Serbian has won everything in the game.
Preparing for the start of another clay-court season, the Serbian, fresh off a run to the Miami final, was asked on Sunday in Monte-Carlo if his motivation has waned in recent times.
“There is no doubt that it has become more difficult throughout my career but the performances in Miami, when I am playing that way, it gives me more inspiration to keep going,” Djokovic said. “It just feels great on the court when you are striking the ball well and winning matches. Obviously when you start losing early you have more questions and inner voices, which are bringing doubts about whether you should keep going.
“I am glad in Miami I found that joy on the court and performance levels, so let’s see if I can carry that into clay. It is a different surface and I have not had much time to get used to this tournament so my expectations are not that high.”
Djokovic showed top form in Miami before falling to first-time ATP Tour titlist Jakub Mensik in the title match. The Serbian’s defeat means he is still searching for his 100th tour-level crown, but he was pleased with his overall showing in Florida.
“We spoke about Miami. A bit of a bitter feeling in the end to lose the final, but it was high-quality from me. Served great, played well. I was just a bit unlucky in the final — two tie-breaks — but he was better. That is all,” Djokovic said. “It gives me a great deal of encouragement and positivity reflecting on my game and how I played in Miami.”
Djokovic teamed with long-term rival Andy Murray at the start of the season. The Scot was on site with his fellow former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings at the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami.
However, Murray is not in Monaco this week, with the 37-year-old expected to return in Madrid later this month.
“It was never part of the agreement to work with Andy this week,” Djokovic said. “I was thinking about who I wanted anyone apart from my fitness coach and physio and my brother Marko was able to join me so that helps me on a different level emotionally. Have some time with my brother and spend some time with him on the road.”
The third seed in Monte-Carlo, the former two-time titlist Djokovic could meet Stan Wawrinka in his opening match. The Serbian, who leads the Swiss star 21-6 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series.
