djokovic: ‘It’s been difficult for me,’ admits Djokovic ahead of Monte Carlo return

Novak Djokovic admitted on Sunday that his absence from the tournament has been “difficult, mentally and emotionally” due to his continued and controversial refusal to vaccinate, but he is “moving on”.

The world number one appearance in 2022 was in Dubai in February where he played just three matches.

After being relegated from Melbourne and ruled out of a possible 10th Australian Open, her single-minded COVID-19 stance has led to her being declared a personality non-Greta at the Indian Wells and Miami Masters.

Djokovic said, “I hope I don’t play six matches in six months! The last three to four months have been really tough for me mentally and emotionally. But here I am. I will leave all that behind and move on.” ” Ahead of the Monte Carlo Masters, the prestigious European clay-court season opener that began on Sunday.

“I don’t think it will leave a traceable trace away from it. I’ll try to use it as fuel.”

In Djokovic’s absence from the tour, longtime rival Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open for his 21st Grand Slam title, breaking a tie with the Serb and Roger Federer.

He also briefly lost his world number one ranking to Daniil Medvedev, although he is now at the top of the pile where he has lived for 364 weeks so far in his career.

Djokovic said, “I understand that at the beginning of this week I may not be at my best.”

“I’m still testing my engine, so to speak, and building up my game, so obviously it will take some time, some matches to really get into the groove and find a competitive game that I really like.” I should.”

Despite his off-court drama, Djokovic has insisted that he is still keen to be included in his Grand Slam collection.

His next opportunity comes at the French Open where he is the defending champion.

“I still feel inspired to be on tour and compete with young people and challenge the best players in the world for the biggest title,” said 34-year-old Djokovic, 2013 and 2015 champion in Monte Carlo.

“I’m very happy to be here and Monaco at home for more than 10 years. I’m looking forward to the moment I’m out of competition again, so this is the best place I can possibly start Am.”

His opening opponent will be Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Focina who defeated Marcos Giron of the United States 7-5, 6-3 on Sunday.

“Last year’s Roland Garros win is still fresh in my memory, so I try to use that as an inspiration to start the clay-court season in the best possible way,” Djokovic said.

Originally published at Pen 18