Novak Djokovic plays down Monte Carlo Masters hopes over eye infection - 'Expectations are not high'

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The 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic insists he does not expect to have a deep run at the Monte Carlo Masters. The Serb will make his return to clay in Europe this week. He is coming off the back of a successful stint in America, where he reached the final of the Miami Open. An eye infection troubled him in the final against Jakub Mensik though, and the issue has still not cleared up.

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Novak Djokovic hopes an eye infection that impacted his performance in the Miami Open will clear up as he bids to win a 100th ATP singles crown.

The world No. 5 fell just short of his century in America, as he was beaten by teenager Jakub Mensik in the final.

He is due to return to the court in the coming days at the Monte Carlo Masters.

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The issue proved problematic as he endured a 7-6(4) 7-6(4) defeat - and the Serb has revealed he still has not fully recovered.

"It started on semi-finals day in Miami and I did struggle with it in the final, but it's calming down, I guess," he said.

"I'm visiting the doctor later today, so let's see. It should be okay.

"I was going to be here with the family anyway. I wanted to give myself the best chance to play in the tournament.

"I have a few more days until the eventual first round. I am still trying to get used to the clay; still managing a few things health wise. Hopefully I'll be ready."

Monte Carlo marks Djokovic's return to clay for the first time since winning the Olympic gold medal in Paris last summer.

That tournament was held at Roland-Garros, where the French Open will get underway on May 25, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

When he heads back there next month, Djokovic will be going in search of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.

Before then, he could play in Masters events in Madrid and Rome, as well as Monte Carlo.

He makes no secret of the fact that any tournaments he plays will be used as preparation for another tilt at French Open glory.

And he hopes to carry his form from the hard courts in Miami to the red stuff in Europe.

"Let's see if I can carry that onto clay," he continued.

"It's obviously a completely different surface and I didn't have much time to get used to this tournament, so my expectations are not really high for the results here.

"It's more about trying to get matches and as many as possible, and obviously try to peak towards the end of the clay season which is, of course, most importantly in Paris."

That is something Djokovic has done on three occasions, winning the French Open title in 2016, 2021 and 2023.

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Speaking to discovery+, Djokovic said making the switch from the US hard courts has not always been easy.

"I've been struggling over the years to find the best game for the opening week of the clay," he admits.

"I think I'm the kind of player that as I play more matches on this surface, I get better. The first weeks and first tournaments on clay are quite unpredictable, so my expectations are not very high.

"Last year, I had a good tournament. I played semi-finals. It was a close matches in the semis.

"Obviously I will be very happy if I can repeat same result as last year, but I will go step-by-step."

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Djokovic is a two-time champion in Monte Carlo, although his last title there came back in 2015.

His ranking means he receives a bye into the second round, where he could meet old rival Stanislas Warwinka.

The Swiss, three years Djokovic's senior at 40, will have to get past Alejandro Tabilo to set up that showdown.

And Djokovic is full of admiration for Wawrinka, as he added: "People talk about my age, but what about him? He's 40 and he's still going strong. I love Stan.

"It would be a nice duel of veterans if we meet on the court."

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