, author: Ermakova M.

Novak Djokovic returns looking for a strong start on clay courts

The forced absence helped him focus on Monte Carlo, where he lost in the second round last year.

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic has expressed hopes of starting from scratch in Monte Carlo as he prepares for the clay season after being forced to miss the U.S. tournaments last month. Djokovic, 35, was not vaccinated against the coronavirus, and this was the reason for his absence from tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.

The Australian Open champion last competed in early March when he lost in the semi-finals in Dubai and said his forced absence helped him focus on Monte Carlo, where he lost in the second round last year.

“I trained more on clay, which is positive when you think about the clay season,” said Djokovic, 2013 and 2015 champion.

“I haven't had much success in Monte Carlo in the last two seasons. I haven't played great tennis here so I hope I can start the clay season this year better than in previous years and get back in shape.”

With Rafael Nadal missing Monte Carlo with an injury, Novak Djokovic will also look to build momentum ahead of the French Open.

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