By Richard Pagliaro |
@Tennis_Now |
Monday, April 7, 2025
Photo credit: Mike Hewitt/Getty
Novak Djokovic has previously cycled to his matches in Monte-Carlo, showcasing his unique approach to the sport.
As he pursues his historic 100th title, Djokovic acknowledges the challenges ahead as he aims for this significant milestone in Monte-Carlo.
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The Grand Slam champion revealed that recovering from an eye infection during the Miami Open final and adapting to Monte-Carlo’s red clay after competing on Miami’s blue hard-court has altered his expectations for the upcoming clay-court Masters 1000 event.
Djokovic, set to face Chilean left-hander Alejandro Tabilo in his opening match, is focused on gaining competitive experience in Monte-Carlo as he builds up to Roland Garros, commencing on May 25th.
In encouraging news for his supporters, the 37-year-old Serbian star has rediscovered his joy on the court.
“I’m thrilled to have found that joy on the court again in Miami, and I feel confident about my performance,” Djokovic expressed during his pre-tournament press conference in Monte-Carlo. “Let’s see if I can carry that momentum on to the clay.”
“It’s a completely different surface, and I didn’t have much time to adjust to this tournament, so I’m tempering my expectations. My priority is to gain match experience and aim for peak performance by the end of the clay season, particularly in Paris.”
The Olympic gold medalist noted that he experienced a “minor viral infection” in his eye around the Miami Open semifinals but is on the mend.
“The issue began during the semis in Miami, and while it affected me in the finals, it’s gradually improving,” Djokovic shared. “I have a doctor’s appointment later today to ensure everything’s alright.”
His first match presents an opportunity for redemption against Tabilo, who previously eliminated Djokovic in Rome last May.
World No. 32 Tabilo caused a seismic upset by defeating Djokovic 6-2, 6-3, marking one of the biggest shocks in Djokovic’s Rome history.
“It’s unbelievable,” Tabilo remarked after his victory, his first against a player in the Top 10 and a World No. 1 with 24 major titles. “I’m still processing this entire experience.”
“I was just trying to manage my nerves—it’s surreal, I can’t believe it happened.”
With this triumph, Tabilo became the first Chilean man to triumph over a World No. 1 since Fernando Gonzalez took down Roger Federer in 2007 at the Masters Cup.
