Novak Djokovic Asserts Clay-Court Return After Late Withdrawal From Indian Wells 2022

Standing firm on his stand of not getting vaccinated, Novak Djokovic has been struggling to play on the professional circuit since the start of the 2022 season. However, following his withdrawal from the Sunshine Double(Indian Wells and Miami), the Serbian has made the announcement about his next tournament.

The former world no.1 intends to make his appearance on the European clay season. According to Djokovic’s official website, he will next play at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.

The announcement on the website reads, “Novak will open his 2022 clay court season in Monte-Carlo, where he won the Masters 1000 title twice, in 2013 and 2015. The tournament will be held at the Monte-Carlo Country Club from April 10 until April 17. Last year Novak fell to Daniel Evans in the third round.”

Djokovic’s participation in Monte Carlo comes as the first step towards his preparation for his title defense at the French Open.

Novak Djokovic in Monte Carlo

Novak Djokovic is set to make his 15th appearance at the Monte Carlo Open this year. The 34-year-old first played on the red turf of Monte Carlo in 2006, where he was defeated in the first round by Swiss Maestro Roger Federer. In the following years, even though the 20-time grand slam winner showed impressive performances, he failed to make it to the final.

2009 was when he set up a summit clash with Rafael Nadal. The duo went on play another final in 2012 and the Spaniard emerged victorious yet again.

With an intention to put his name on the winners’ list in Monte Carlo,  Djokovic again cruised through the initial rounds in 2013 and set up a third-time clash with Rafael Nadal at the Monte Carlo Country Club. The Serb ended up victorious in the end as he got the better of Nadal in straight sets.

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In 2014, he was again defeated by Roger Federer in the semifinals. 2015 proved lucky for Djokovic as he clinched the title once again. However, the Serbian star has been struggling to give hist best at the event since then. From 2016 to 2021, Novak’s best performance came in 2017 and 2019, where he reached the quarterfinals.

Djokovic’s last clay-court season

Even though Djokovic has struggled to perform in Monte Carlo, that has not been the case on all clay court tournaments. Last year, Djokovic not only finished as a runner up in ATP Masters 1000 Rome but also won titles at Belgrade 2 and Roland Garros.

The World No. 2 struggled with form in Dubai. However, keeping in mind his on-court ability, fans around the world are hopeful of a blasting comeback by the 20-time major champion.

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