WATCH: Djokovic training in Monte Carlo ahead of return

The World number one Novak Djokovic, who has not played since the 24th February, has begun his preparation ahead of a return to competition in Monaco.

It has been a turbulent season for Djokovic, who was unable to compete at both the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open due to his vaccination status. In addition, the 20 time Grand Slam winner has only played in just one tournament so far this season – the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. In Dubai, Djokovic suffered a shock early exit to Jiri Vesely in the quarter-finals and in the process lost his World number one spot for the first time in 361 weeks. 

The Serbian is already in training at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. The two-time Monte Carlo Masters Champion (2013 and 2015) will be looking to solidify his position at the top of the ATP rankings as World number two Daniil Medvedev announced this week he is likely to miss the majority of the clay court season due to a hernia injury. On top of that, 11 time winner of the event Rafael Nadal will also be out of the tournament due suffering a cracked rib at the Indian Wells Masters last month.

Djokovic still faces tough competition if he is to win his third Monte Carlo Masters title, with defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas set to compete as well as teen sensation and the 2022 Miami Open winner Carloz Alcaraz. 

Despite still being unvaccinated from Covid-19, following his participation in the Monte Carlo Masters Novak Djokovic is set to compete throughout the clay court season. He is scheduled to play at the 1000 Masters event in Madrid as well as the Serbia Open, the Italian Open and he will also be looking to defend his 2021 Roland Garros title at the end of May at the French Open.

🎾 Free >> Join our legendary newsletter

🎾 Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB

🎾 Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

🎾 Read >> World’s best tennis magazine

🎾 Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV

🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner