Novak Djokovic’s next tournament named as he looks to retain World number one position
Novak Djokovic will begin his French Open preparations at his home tournament, the Serbian Open, as he looks to retain and consolidate the World number position.
20-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic has endured a difficult start to the new year after having been deported from Australia just one day before the Australian Open got underway.
He then suffered a shock defeat to Czechian qualifier Jiri Vesely at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
As such, reigning US Open champion Daniil Medvedev took the World number one position from Djokovic, a title he had held for 361 weeks.
However, Djokovic has regained the title after the Medvedev suffered an early exit at Indian Wells.
Continuing, the Serbian icon looks set to face further challenges on the ATP Tour after he reiterated his intention to remain unvaccinated in an interview with the BBC. Thus making him the only unvaccinated player within the ATP top 100.
By remaining unvaccinated, Djokovic could miss Grand Slams, namely the US Open, as well as numerous other ATP Masters 1000 events.
After being denied entry to the United States ruled him out of the Indian Wells and Miami Masters, doubt still shrouds his competition at the Madrid and Rome Masters.
However, as it stands he is currently allowed to compete at next month’s Monte Carlo Masters and the French Open as France and Monaco have began to ease their Covid-19 restrictions.
Another tournament Djokovic has now been confirmed to compete in is his home Serbian Open, which takes place from April 18th to April 24th. Additionally, it may end up being just his third tournament of the year.
He has signed up to play the event alongside French veteran Gael Monfils and Dominic Thiem, who will be hoping to have staged a return from injury by then.
He will also be joined by compatriots Dusan Lajovic, Filip Krajinovic, Miomir Kecmanovic and Laslo Djere.
? Free >> Receive our legendary newsletter
? Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club
? Social >>Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
? Order >> World’s best tennis magazine
? Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted retail partner
