Monte-Carlo Masters: 6 Days after Ridiculing Himself, Novak Djokovic Beats His Own Expectations in Style Yet Again

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Novak Djokovic appears on the tennis court and once again demonstrates why he’s the master of surprises. The 36-year-old Serbian player never fails to disappoint, thrilling both spectators and analysts with every game and competition. This time, it is his astonishing Monte Carlo run to the semi-finals.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion previously mocked his own poor Monte Carlo records from the past, but there is a lot more to the story.

Novak Djokovic stands true to his Monte Carlo expectations 

The world number one tennis player has created a record by entering the 77th Masters semi-finals during his Monte Carlo run. But just six days ago, a video was shared by the ATP Tour in which a lot of players talked about their expectations from the tournament. In that video, the Serb stated, “Pass two rounds at the Monte Carlo Masters, which wasn’t the case for quite a few years.” 

While his initial thoughts were to pass the first two rounds of the tournament, in the same video, he also shared his goal regarding where he wants to see himself, if he gets through those rounds. Further, he added, “Ok, semi-finals at Monte Carlo Masters.” 

Moreover, the 24-time Grand Slam champion himself laughed off his expectations, he defeated Alex de Minaur, in a 2-hour, 4-minute clash and made his place in the semi-finals. Since 2016, although he has been quite regular in the tournament, he has never made it to the semi-finals, but this time, Djokovic made sure to turn the tables and brought a change to his own pattern in the tournament.

However, this is not the first time he has talked about his not-so-good Monte Carlo Masters. Previously, in a press conference, he revealed how he didn’t have any expectations from the clay game before the beginning of the tournament while talking about his main focus that comes after the event.

When Djokovic revealed his Monte Carlo reality, – ‘all about building my game’

Before the clay season, the 24-time Grand Slam champion made it clear that he views any success at Monte Carlo as a bonus, and apparently, his main goal is to improve his clay court technique for Roland Garros. He stated, “The expectations are not very high. My results here in previous years (titles in 2013 and 2015) are not great.” 

Not only that, he also detailed how keeping in check with his previous track records for the tournament, he will give his 100% but has no expectations from himself during the same. He stated, “It’s all about building my game for clay courts. I want to reach my peak for Paris — that’s where I want to play my best tennis. Anything else is a bonus, so let’s see what happens.” 

Moreover, Djokovic did the unthinkable and will soon be seen playing in the semi-final round of the tournament against, Casper Ruud. What are your thoughts on the Serb’s Monte Carlo reality? Do let us know in the comment section.

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