Djokovic sees Nadal's absence as an opportunity, 'feels great' ahead of Monte-Carlo Masters title tilt

Novak Djokovic spoke to reporters ahead of the Monte Carlo Masters saying a few interesting things and we bring you some of the quotes below.

Djokovic was on a break from tennis because essentially he couldn't play at the Sunshine Double. It wasn't something he choose to do but it did came as a consequence of his actions. Speaking about that in Monte Carlo Djokovic noted that it didn't feel different because he's used to it by now:

“The last couple of years I’m used to it, you know. I mean, I haven’t played America last year at all and then this year again. But it’s okay. You know, it is what it is. I did more training on clay, which is, of course, positive, if you think about the clay season."

Djokovic also spoke about picking and choosing his spots in the calendar noting that it's important at his age:

"I do pick and choose the events where I want to peak and how I want to build my form and how I want to work around my schedule. And I haven’t had much success in Monte Carlo in the last three years, I haven’t played really good tennis here. So I’m hoping that this year I can start to play season better than I did in the previous years and hopefully build my form as I’m coming closer to Paris.”

He also spoke about Nadal missing the event calling it unforunate for the event:

“Of course, in one way it’s a loss for the tournament and for tennis in general, because he’s by far the most successful clay court tennis player of all time. We know how many times he has won Monaco and all the other events we played. But on the other hand, it’s an opportunity, I think, for for all of us others, when he’s not there to to try to try to go far and grab a title.”