Novak Djokovic’s Strong Start at Monte-Carlo: A Sign of Things to Come?

It is the privilege of the very great. At this stage of his career and after everything he has accomplished, Novak Djokovic, record holder of Grand Slam titles, can manage his seasons as he sees fit. For several years, he has had one main objective: to reach his peak form during the Majors. And in this perspective, as prestigious as it is, the Masters 1000 of Monte-Carlo has become a sort of adjustment tournament for him, just to launch the machine on ocher. And yet, this year it could be different.

The level shown by the Serb during his quick entry into the match against Roman Safiullin (6-1, 6-2) was more than pleasantly surprising. “The sensations were great. I think that if people judge that it is one of my best performances in recent years here, that is correct, he said at a press conference. Monte-Carlo is the first big tournament of the season on clay and I haven’t really been able to start strong the last six or seven years, I’ve always had difficulties in this tournament. But it’s only the beginning, it’s not is just a match.”

A promising start, but only a start

Scalded cat fears cold water. Novak Djokovic has reason to display a certain caution for the rest of the tournament. In 2021, for example, he was convincing against an already promising Jannik Sinner, before giving in to everyone’s surprise against Daniel Evans. More generally, he has not made it past the quarter-finals on the Rock since his last title in… 2015, almost a decade ago. And in the next round he faces the man who derailed him at the same stage of the competition last year, Lorenzo Musetti.

Djokovic: “I am one of the players who needs time on clay”

Rather impressive against Arthur Fils, the Italian is a confirmed earthman who had also led two sets to nothing against the same Djokovic in the round of 16 at Roland-Garros in 2021. The Serb therefore knows that the test will be quite different from against Safiullin, but showed a certain confidence. “I am not afraid of anything or anyone,” he replied to an Italian journalist who pointed out to him that his last two executioners, Jannik Sinner in Melbourne and Luca Nardi in Indian Wells were transalpine.

And the world number 1 added: “He’s obviously one of the most talented players on clay, with a magnificent one-handed backhand. He’s a very good athlete, he can do a lot of great things, he is one of the most promising young players in Italy and in the world. I like my first match compared to the one I played last year. I feel much different, more ready, whatever be my opponent on the other side of the net. I hope I can produce my best tennis.”

The Zimonjic effect, already?

In fact, the Serbian’s comments reflect the impression left when he entered the fray. Alert, precise in his ball placement and his little footwork, he also showed great aggressiveness in the recovery and in the rally with frequent use of the long-line backhand to outflank his opponent. In his defensive ground coverage, the length of his throws, the volume of his shots, he also seemed very on point. Above all, Djokovic maintained his concentration from start to finish, the sign of a mental freshness which he was no longer accustomed to at the start of an earthly spring. How to explain it?

Djokovic on his relationship with Zimonjic: “His new take on my game is really interesting”

His failed start to the season on his scale – Djokovic had made an inaugural coronation at the Australian Open a very extraordinary habit – probably acted like an electric shock. By parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic, he recognized the need for a renewal initiated a few weeks ago by the man who now accompanies him, Nenad Zimonjic, his friend, compatriot, ex-Davis Cup teammate and doubles specialist.

“I think the two or three weeks of training I had are paying off,” he confirmed. “I had a good block with Zimonjic and the team, we spent a lot of time hours thinking about the game, travel and things that didn’t really work for me in the first two tournaments of the year. It’s a great start. Let’s not get carried away and have expectations too high, but I’m really satisfied.”

2024-04-10 22:18:00
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