Novak Djokovic Reveals Eye Issue Remains A Worry Ahead Of Monte-Carlo Masters
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Novak Djokovic will start his clay-court season at the 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters, but he won't begin it 100% healthy, as he's still bothered by an unfortunate eye issue.
Djokovic got very close to winning his 100th career title at the Miami Open. The 37-year-old made it all the way to the final at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami, with his opponent being 19-year-old Jakub Mensik.
All the experience was on Djokovic's side, but unfortunately for him, his chances of succeeding in the final were impacted by an eye infection that he picked up just before the match. Eventually, the Serbian legend lost the final match in two sets.
It's been more than a week since then, but it appears that the issue is still bothering the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Like the rest of the players, Djokovic made his way to Europe to start his clay season at the Monte-Carlo Masters, and ahead of the tournament, he spoke to TNT Sports.
The two-time champion admitted that the infection started already on the day of his semi-final match in Miami, and that it has not healed yet. He should see a doctor in Monaco, who should advise him ahead of his first match in Monte Carlo.
"It started on semi-finals day in Miami and I did struggle with it in the final, but it's calming down, I guess. I'm visiting the doctor later today, so let's see. It should be okay."
"I was going to be here with the family anyway. I wanted to give myself the best chance to play in the tournament. I have a few more days until the eventual first round. I am still trying to get used to the clay; still managing a few things health-wise. Hopefully I'll be ready."
Djokovic was able to end the first part of the season on a high. He reached the final in Miami, which was a great result after previously being on a three-match losing streak. He was asked whether he hopes to bring that winning form also to the red dirt, but Djokovic said that his expectations are not high.
"Let's see if I can carry that onto clay. It's obviously a completely different surface and I didn't have much time to get used to this tournament, so my expectations are not really high for the results here."
"It's more about trying to get matches and as many as possible, and obviously try to peak towards the end of the clay season which is, of course, most importantly in Paris."
Over the years, Djokovic has been one of the players who takes time to get used to the red clay. He has struggled at the Monte-Carlo Masters in the past, with his last year's semi-final run being the best since 2015. That's why the Serbian player has no expectations.
"I've been struggling over the years to find the best game for the opening week of the clay. I think I'm the kind of player that as I play more matches on this surface, I get better. The first weeks and first tournaments on clay are quite unpredictable, so my expectations are not very high."
"Last year, I had a good tournament. I played the semi-finals. It was a close match in the semis. Obviously, I will be very happy if I can repeat the same result as last year, but I will go step-by-step."
Djokovic will start the tournament in the second round against the winner of the match between a fellow veteran Stan Wawrinka or left-handed Alejandro Tabilo.
