PARIS — Novak Djokovic can cast his hopes forward a month to the start of Roland Garros with serious thoughts of a Paris title after stunning Rafael Nadal to win a first career trophy at the Monte Carlo Masters.
The Serb world No 1 who was almost unable to start the prestige clay week due to an ankle injury, consulted with his doctors on a daily basis before deciding to take a chance.
The week-long gamble eventually paid off with a 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) win over Nadal which ended the Spaniard’s 46-match win streak, comprising eight consecutive titles at the cliffside Country Club.
With his next date on court not for another fortnight in Madrid, Djokovic can fully heal and plot his strategy on the clay as he prepares to bid for the French Open crown which is missing from his Grand Slam collection.
Last year’s losing finalist to Nadal in Paris believes his chances are becoming stronger to finally lift the clay court major. “This trophy could not come at a better moment for me. It was a difficult last two months. I’ve been through some ups and downs emotionally, physically,” Djokovic said.
“But I’m right in the place where I want to be this moment confidence wise, game-wise. I just need to do what I have done always: stay committed, to rest well, prepare well.
“And then I have the next two weeks for those things, getting ready for next challenge.”
Djokovic is determined in pursuit of his next goal: “Of course, I want to win Roland Garros. That’s no secret. “But I need to keep on having the right positive mindset for the next tournaments that are also very important. (And) just trying to stay healthy.” — Reuters
