Former World No. 1 tennis player, Mats Wilander, is sending a strong message to current World No. 5, Novak Djokovic, urging him to participate in the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters tournament to enhance his chances at the French Open.
Wilander emphasizes the importance of Djokovic not skipping the Monte Carlo Masters, the first clay court ATP Masters 1000 event of the season. He believes that competing in clay court events leading up to the French Open will provide Djokovic with valuable court time and potentially position him as a significant threat at Roland Garros.
Djokovic, who recently reached the final of the Miami Open but fell short of clinching the title, is looking to shift his focus to the clay swing. Despite not having a stellar track record at Monte Carlo, where he has won two titles in the past, Wilander is confident that Djokovic’s skills transcend playing surfaces, making him a formidable contender on clay as well.
With Rafael Nadal absent from this year’s Monte Carlo Masters, having bid farewell to tennis, Djokovic has an opportunity to make his mark. Wilander acknowledges Nadal’s dominance on clay but believes Djokovic has the potential to adapt to the red dirt and become a serious threat at Roland Garros with sufficient preparation.
Furthermore, former player Andy Roddick has voiced his support for Djokovic, indicating that the addition of Andy Murray to his team has been a positive influence. Roddick even suggests that Djokovic is still capable of securing his historic 25th Grand Slam title, positioning him as a favorite alongside rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Despite facing setbacks earlier in the year with consecutive defeats, Djokovic’s performance at the Miami Open has instilled confidence in his game. As he aims to add to his impressive list of achievements, including his recent Olympic gold medal, Djokovic is determined to make his mark on the ATP tour and potentially reach the milestone of 100 career titles.
Stay tuned for more updates on Djokovic’s journey as he navigates through the competitive world of professional tennis, fueled by ambition and the support of his team.