Novak Djokovic has played down his chances of winning his 100th title at the Monte Carlo Masters despite reaching the final of another Masters event two weeks ago.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will be the third seed in Monte Carlo, his first clay court event of 2025. Last month, he experienced mixed fortunes in North America. He lost his opening match in Indian Wells before going on to reach the final in Miami, where he was beaten in straight sets by Jakub Mensik. Since the start of last year, Djokovic has only won one title, which was at the Paris Olympic Games.
Despite his lack of silverware in recent months, the Serbian is drawing inspiration from his latest run. At 37, he is currently the oldest man in the ATP top 40.
“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 told reporters on Sunday.
“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.”
As for his chance of success in Monte Carlo, Djokovic admits his lack of preparation for the clay this year could hurt him. He has won the tournament twice before in 2013 and 2015. In 2024 he made it through to the semi-finals before losing to Casper Ruud.
“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,” he said.
“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 will be without coach Andy Murray this week which is a arrangement they agreed to at the start of their collaboration. Murray will rejoin the camp later this month in Madrid. Instead, Djokovic will be with his brother Marko, as well as his fitness coach.
Besides his on-court preparations, Djokovic has been troubled by an eye infection and ‘a little bit of a viral infection.’ He appeared to have difficulty with his eye when playing Mensik in Miami and received some drops during the match to help. However, he refused to link his loss to the problem.
As for who he might play in his next match, Stan Wawrinka will be his opponent should the Swiss veteran beat Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo. Djokovic has beaten Wawrinka in 21 out of the 27 meetings on the Tour.
“People talk about my age, but what about him? Still going strong,” he said of Wawrinka.
“I love Stan, he is a great guy and a champion that has been underestimated with everything he has achieved. Three Slams, Davis Cup, Olympic Gold. A legend of the game and truly inspiring.”
So far in his career, Djokovic has won 20 ATP titles on the clay.
