‘Djokovic wasn’t well here but he will be ready’ warns Ivanisevic looking on to Roland Garros
Goran Ivanisevic has little doubt in his mind that charge Novak Djokovic will be totally ready to defend his Roland Garros title come late May.
While the Croat has admitted that the world number one was correct in saying he was physically spent against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, he offered more explanation for that.
Both ill health and mental uncertainty played a big part in Monte Carlo according to Ivanisevic.
He 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.”
Djokovic’s match against Davidovich Fokina was just his fourth in 2022 at only a second event for the Serb after playing Dubai back in February.
As such, Ivanisevic further revealed that he did not have the highest expectations for Djokovic on the Monte Carlo clay
He continued: “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.”
Of course, Djokovic will be the defending champion in Paris after claiming his second career title at Roland Garros last year to become the first man to complete the Double Career Grand Slam in the Open Era.
Before then he is set to play the Serbia Open next week before the Madrid and Rome Masters in May.
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