World number one Novak Djokovic has remained positive after a setback in his Roland Garros preparations in Monte-Carlo.
The Serb has had a mixed start to the 2019 with his form dipping since winning the Australian Open in impressive fashion in January.
After failing to win back-to-back matches in Indian Wells and Miami, Djokovic was dumped out of the Monte-Carlo masters by Daniil Medvedev at the quarter-final stage.
Despite the latest setback, the Serb has remained positive and says there is nothing to be concerned about, “Look, maybe I’m lacking the consistency with the top results in the last couple of years in the best tournaments,” the Serb admitted.
“But Grand Slams I have been playing my best, and that’s what I intend to do. French Open is the ultimate goal on clay, and I hope I can , it’s expected in a way for me to peak right at that tournament, because that’s what I’m aiming for. This is only the first tournament on clay, and it’s a long season. Let’s see how it goes.”
This latest comment from Djokovic suggests he has reached the point in his career where he is prioritising grand slam events and is not too bothered about his form in the other events.
However having not won a clay-court title since his Roland Garros triumph on 2016, you have to question whether he will be ready to challenge Rafael Nadal next month in Paris.
Speaking on his actual defeat, Djokovic gave all the credit to Medvedev in his three set defeat to the Russian as he can see the improvements made by Medvedev, “It’s kind of tough, you know, to find the rhythm, and he doesn’t give you much rhythm,“ Djokovic said.
“He’s got a big serve. His forehand can be effective, but also, he can make mistakes from that corner, so the backhand is obviously the more solid one. But he improved his movement a lot since last year. He definitely deserves to be where he is.”
Novak Djokovic will look to bounce back at the Mutua Madrid Open, which starts on the 6th of May.
