Former Novak Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic has revealed the Serbian was not 100% fit at Monte Carlo but he will be ready to defend his French Open title come late May. Djokovic suffered a shocking loss as he was beaten in three sets by Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round of the Rolex Monte Carlo.
Djokovic was playing his first match of the season on clay and could not bring his best to the court. In fact, as Djokovic hasn’t been allowed to take part in a lot of tournaments as he is unvaccinated against Covid-19, he has played only four matches in the season, in which he has gone 2-2.
Djokovic was in form of his life in the previous season as he maintained a 27-0 record in Grand slams before losing to Daniil Medvedev in the final of the US Open. However, things have turned in the ongoing season after Djokovic hasn’t been allowed to take part in a lot of events and Ivanisevic feels it is not easy for the Serbian.
Goran Ivanisevic told Ubi Tennis: “[Djokovic] wasn’t feeling well before he came [to Monte Carlo], he was sick. “Let’s say he’s not fit 100% to compete. “Three weeks ago he was not allowed to play because of the Covid restrictions, then France opened and he was allowed [to play]. “It’s difficult mentally.”
On the other hand, Ivanisevic didn’t have high expectations from Novak Djokovic in the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters.
He added, “To be honest, I didn’t expect something spectacular from this tournament. “But he’ll be going to Roland Garros in five or six weeks, he’s got a couple more tournaments and he will be ready.”
Djokovic is now expected to take part in the Madrid Open.
