Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has tempered expectations for his upcoming performance at the Monte Carlo Masters, citing health concerns, including a lingering eye infection that affected his play during the Miami Open final. Despite reaching the final in Miami, Djokovic fell just short of securing his 100th ATP singles title, losing to the 17-year-old Czech, Jakub Mensik, in straight sets. The eye infection, which started affecting him during the semifinals in Miami, has not fully cleared up, and Djokovic remains cautious about his prospects on the clay courts in Monte Carlo.

Djokovic has openly discussed the challenges the eye infection has posed, explaining that it impacted his performance in Miami, especially during the final. Although the issue has calmed down, he still plans to visit a doctor to ensure it clears up completely. Djokovic admitted that, while he wants to be fully ready for the Monte Carlo Masters, he is still adjusting to the clay surface after his stint on hard courts in the United States. He noted that his main focus is on preparing himself for the upcoming clay season, particularly the French Open in May, which is one of his most coveted titles. “I still have a few more days until the first round, and I’m still trying to get used to the clay. Hopefully, I’ll be ready,” Djokovic said.

Monte Carlo marks Djokovic’s return to the European clay courts for the first time since winning the Olympic gold medal in Paris last summer. However, the Serb is not expecting to find his best form immediately, especially given the challenges of transitioning from the hard courts of the United States to the slow, demanding surface of clay. Djokovic has acknowledged that the first tournaments on clay are often unpredictable, and he doesn’t have high expectations for immediate results in Monte Carlo. Instead, he’s focused on getting as many matches as possible in preparation for his bigger goals later in the clay season, especially the French Open, which starts on May 25th. “It’s obviously a completely different surface, and I didn’t have much time to get used to this tournament, so my expectations are not really high for the results here. It’s more about trying to get matches and obviously try to peak towards the end of the clay season,” Djokovic explained.

Over the years, Djokovic has shown his adaptability on clay, a surface he once struggled with early in his career. However, he’s now a three-time French Open champion, having won the prestigious tournament in 2016, 2021, and 2023. Djokovic attributes much of his improvement on clay to his experience, noting that as he plays more matches on the surface, he gets better. “I think I’m the kind of player that, as I play more matches on the surface, I get better,” he said. The early part of the clay season has often been challenging for Djokovic, but he remains confident that, with more time, his game will adjust and he will be ready for the bigger challenges ahead.

Djokovic’s title hopes in Monte Carlo may be tempered by his current form, but the Serbian star’s love for the tournament remains evident. He is a two-time champion in Monte Carlo, having won the title in 2013 and 2015. However, it has been almost a decade since his last triumph at this event, and he knows that the competition is fierce. The World No. 5 enters the tournament with a first-round bye, but he could face a potential clash with old rival Stan Wawrinka in the second round. Wawrinka, who is three years Djokovic’s senior at 40, will first need to overcome Alejandro Tabilo to set up that possible showdown. Djokovic expressed admiration for his fellow veteran, saying, “People talk about my age, but what about him? He’s 40 and he’s still going strong. I love Stan, and it would be a nice duel of veterans if we meet on the court.”

For Djokovic, this year’s Monte Carlo Masters will be about more than just adding another title to his collection. It’s about building the right momentum for the rest of the clay season, with his eyes firmly set on the French Open. While his expectations for Monte Carlo may be low, he is determined to make the most of every opportunity to refine his game and regain the form that has helped him become one of the greatest players in tennis history. Despite the challenges of the eye infection and the adjustment to the clay, Djokovic’s competitive spirit remains undiminished. As he prepares for the Monte Carlo Masters, the Serb will undoubtedly be focused on managing his health and setting the stage for a deeper run at the French Open next month.