Novak Djokovic feels eager to return to competition in Monte Carlo

An 18-time Major champion Novak Djokovic returns to action for the first time since winning the ninth Australian Open title, entering Monte Carlo as one of the favorites.

Novak, who lives in the Principality for 15 years, has been working hard during the practice sessions, preparing for the event that he won two times and hoping to go all the way again and claim the 37th Masters 1000 title. Djokovic could face Jannik Sinner in the second round, praising the young Italian and saying he has everything it takes to become a champion.

"I haven't practiced with Sinner a lot for the last year and a half, but before that, we used to train together often. He is a nice person, devoted and hard-working. The right people surround him, he is ambitious, and I think he has what it takes to be a champion. I think clay requires a lot of adjustments. The ball bounces irregularly. It's quite unpredictable at times. If the courts are not in a perfect state - which is normal if you have rain, wind, different conditions that can affect the court's condition - then obviously, you have to stay out there mentally.

I will use the term 'grind' for what you have to do mentally and physically more than any other surface. Clay can be very frustrating because sometimes you feel like you can't make a winner; you can't make an easy point with your serve like you usually do on the other surfaces. It requires both tactical and technical adjustment.

The positioning on the court has to vary all the time. Many guys, including myself, who usually attack the return on other faster surfaces, on clay I would probably be more optional there, maybe mix it up, go back from deep in the court, send a looping topspin, then try to get into the rally.

It's a very strategic surface that requires a lot of thinking and tactical adjustment. I have had some periods in my career where I didn't play a tournament for maybe a couple of months. I don't think there is anything special I have to do in preparation for me to feel my best on the court. I've been training quite a lot on clay. Here in Monte Carlo, where I reside with the family, it was convenient and feels excellent; I feel physically prepared," Novak Djokovic said.