Novak Djokovic exclusive - World No. 1 underlines his French Open ambition: 'I want to peak in Paris'
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Updated 11/04/2023 at 17:51 GMT
Roland-Garros is "in the back of my mind", Novak Djokovic has admitted, as the Serbian prepares to make his competitive return in Monte Carlo. The world No. 1 was unable to compete at Indian Wells or the Miami Open due to his vaccination status, but will bid for glory in the city he now calls home when the clay-court season starts in Monaco. Djokovic says he's aiming to peak in Paris.
Highlights: Djokovic beats Gakhov in straight sets for victory at Monte Carlo
Novak Djokovic says he is hoping to "peak in Paris" as he prepares to return to competitive action at Monte Carlo after missing the sunshine swing in the United States.
The world No. 1 was unable to compete at Indian Wells or the Miami Open after being refused entry to the US due to his Covid-19 vaccination status.
Djokovic began the 2023 season in flying form by winning in Adelaide, claiming the Australian Open title and reaching the semi-finals in Dubai, but more than a month has now passed since he last competed.
The Monte Carlo Masters kicks off the European clay-court season this week, leading up to the showcase of Roland-Garros at the end of May, and the Serbian told Eurosport he has one eye on the second Grand Slam of the year.
“I have to say, it’s in the back of my mind, as an ultimate goal on clay. I really want to be able to build my form so I can peak in Paris,” Djokovic said.
“It’s still a long way. The clay-court season is quite long, you have pretty much every week some strong events and tournaments. Hopefully, I can start the clay season here in a positive way.
"I’m mainly focused on what I can deliver here and then of course moving into different weeks. But of course, Roland-Garros is an ultimate goal.”
One advantage the 35-year-old will have in Monte Carlo is the ability to stay in his own home during the tournament, as he lives in Monaco with his family.
“I’m not the only one, there are quite a few players who reside in Monaco,” he said.
“We know the club very well; it does transform incredibly during the last couple of weeks. Normally, throughout the year we don’t see the stands with this many people for practice sessions, but we do train with each other.
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Novak Djokovic, Monte Carlo 2023
Image credit: Getty Images
“It’s great to sleep in your own bed, on your own pillow. It’s normally not like that, you’re always travelling around.
“It’s nice to have the family also, of course, it brings you some peace of mind when you’re off-site and you can recharge your batteries, come here and put your competitive face on and try to deliver your best.”
Djokovic is a two-time champion in Monte Carlo, winning in 2013 and 2015, but he suffered a shock exit to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his opening match last year.
The Serbian has been given a bye to the second round, where he will face qualifier Ivan Ghakov or American Mackenzie McDonald.
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