Monte-Carlo Masters: Struggling Novak Djokovic Finds Glimmer of Hope in Andy Roddick’s Reassuring Verdict

The stifling heat and humidity of Monaco have thrown a wrench in Novak Djokovic‘s Monte-Carlo Masters campaign. However, as it is often said, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Taking inspiration from the saying, the Serb has kept his physical struggles aside to enter the semifinals of the tournament. Andy Roddick went against the grain, believing Djokovic can succeed despite many questioning his chances.

Despite not having the greatest start to the 2024 season, Djokovic will enter the French Open as a hot favorite. He still is at the top of the ATP rankings chart and has the experience to prevail in big tournaments. Additionally, Roddick’s recent statement will only prove to be a cherry on the cake for the World No. 1.

Andy Roddick ‘doesn’t worry’ about the physical state of Novak Djokovic

Earlier today, a new episode of the Tennis Channel Live Podcast dropped by. Therein, the tennis legends Brett Haber, Paul Annacone, and Andy Roddick unpacked all the drama from today’s epic Monte-Carlo quarterfinals! During one of their conversations, the topic of Djokovic struggling in the Monaco conditions cropped up.

Despite Djokovic not looking in the best of shapes, Roddick mentioned, “He will find a way to navigate, he doesn’t look like he’s out of shape. He looks like he’s moving fine, it just feels he’s having a hard time covering between points but I don’t often worry about what Novak Djokovic is doing on the tennis court.”

During his Monte Carlo Masters campaign, Djokovic looked out of sorts physically not once but twice. The first signs of his struggles were seen during his pre-quarterfinal match against Lorenzo Musetti. He was spotted in a dizzy condition and looked uncomfortable during a changeover. Subsequently, he had a dejected body language in the match against Alex de Minaur.

Nonetheless, Djokovic has kept his winning run going, defying recent doubts and setting a major record since 1990.

Djokovic leaves Rafael Nadal behind

The Serb is one of the most successful players at the Masters 1000 level and the recent record only adds weight to this fact. After his win over Lorenzo Musetti in the round of 16 of this tournament, Djokovic had a winning percentage of 82.2% in the Masters 1000 tournaments. He overtook Nadal, who had won 82.1% of his Masters 1000 matches.

Moreover, Djokovic has won 40 titles in Masters 1000 tournaments, four more than Nadal. He is still not done yet and has a chance to add to this tally at the ongoing Monte-Carlo Masters. However, first, he’ll have to overcome the challenge of Casper Ruud later today in the semifinals.