Novak Djokovic planning to start the clay-court season in top gear as he heads to Monte Carlo following break

World No. 1, Novak Djokovic is set to lead the field as top seed at the Monte Carlo Masters, marking the start of the season’s clay-court swing.

Djokovic has not played since reaching the semi-finals in Dubai in March and is looking to start the clay season better than previous years.

He has, by necessity become accustomed to long periods without playing matches in recent times.

Djokovic also knows that making a strong start is key. He has been training extensively on clay and plans to build his form through the tournament.

The Serbian has not had much success in Monte Carlo in the past two years and was a shock opening-round loser last year.

However, he has won the event twice, in 2013 and 2015.

With the Monte Carlo Country Club serving as his training base, Djokovic has a certain home-field advantage.

He said: “It is a club I know very well. Quite a few top players reside in Monaco and use this club as a training base. The club transforms incredibly during the weeks of the tournament, but it is a great feeling to sleep in your own bed.”

Despite his recent struggles at the event, Djokovic remains a fan.

He continued: “The atmosphere is amazing, with the club being so intimate and small. It is noisy and great. People are so excited to watch tennis and this is the tournament that has been successful throughout the history of our sport.”

“I have done more training on clay, which is positive if you think about the clay season,” Djokovic said in his pre-tournament press conference. “I have not had much success in Monte Carlo in the past two seasons. I haven’t played great tennis here, so I am hoping this year I can start the clay season better than in previous years and build my form.”

He will begin his tournament against American Mackenzie McDonald or a qualifier.

Speaking to L’Equipe, he said: “From my experience and career on clay, I can say that the first two on this surface are the most important for me because it is very difficult to start well.”

Already the record holder, Djokovic is looking for a 39th ATP Masters 1000 title this week.

Of course, after Monte Carlo all attention will turn to Roland-Garros.

While Rafael Nadal’s absence is a shame for the tournament, it is an opportunity for others to win a title.

Djokovic told L’Equipe that the young wave of tennis stars are the key contenders.

Asked about Carlos Alcaraz’s title hopes in Paris, he agreed and continued: “It’s amazing for our sport to have a champion like him. And he’s so young… It’s also refreshing to have another great rivalry that excites people, the one between him and Jannik Sinner. We have seen exciting matches between them at Indian Wells and Miami. I’m sure these two guys, as well as Holger Rune, will be the leaders. They might be the next Big 3 (smiling).”

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