Novak Djokovic has his sights set on revenge at the Monte Carlo Masters after winning his opening match at the tournament this year.
The world No.1 breezed his way past Roman Safiullin 6-1, 6-2, in what was a dominant performance and one of his best of the season so far. Djokovic is playing in only his third singles tournament of 2024 and his first since Indian Wells. Against Safiullin, he won 82% of his service points and hit 14 winners against five unforced errors.
“I think the two, three weeks of training I had is paying off. Really good training block with (Nenad) Zimonjic and the team.” Djokovic said afterwards.
“We put a lot of hours into thinking about the game, the movement, and things that haven’t worked for me in the first couple tournaments of this year that I played.
“It’s a great start but let’s not get ahead of ourselves and put the hopes too high.”
Next up for the Serbian will be the player who knocked him out of the Monte Carlo draw 12 months ago. Lorenzo Musetti has already recorded straight sets wins over Taylor Fritz and Arthur Fils this week. The Italian is currently ranked 24th in the world, which is nine places below his career high.
At his two previous tournaments, Djokovic was beaten by an Italian. Losing to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open and then to Luca Nardi in Indian Wells. Now set to play a tricky Musetti, he can be forgiven for having reservations about his next match. However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion says he has no fear.
“I’m not scared of anything and anybody,” he stated.
“He (Musetti) is one of the most talented players on clay with a beautiful one-handed backhand. He’s very athletic. He can do a lot of great things. He’s one of the most promising young players not only from Italy but generally for the world.
“I like the way I played my first match compared to the first match last year. I feel much more ready. I’m hoping I can deliver my best game.”
As for Musetti, who has won two ATP titles, he believes the upcoming showdown provides him with the opportunity to learn more about his own game.
“If I lose or if I win, it doesn’t really matter because playing against a champion like Nole, there is always something to learn and to take,” he said.
Djokovic’s next match in Monte Carlo is scheduled to take place on Thursday.
