I’m not afraid of anything or anyone! Djokovic will challenge last year’s winner in Monte Carlo. His big rival has fallen out

It’s kind of a different year than the last ones. Novak Djokovic has his hands full trying to prove that he is still a world-class player. On Thursday, he’ll challenge Italian Musetti, who knocked him out last year at the same venue, in Monte Carlo. How satisfied is the legendary Serb with his opening match and which of his rivals will no longer threaten him at this tournament?

The end of the Djokovic era

A lacklustre start to the season is something new for him. Given the strength of up-and-coming players like Italy’s Sinner and Spain’s Alcaraz, the question in the air is whether the era of his dominance is over. Novak Djokovic has plenty of motivation to prove his worth.

But the start of the opening clay Masters of the year is slightly boosting the value of his stock. Djokovic, on the other hand, put in a confident performance in his first match, smoothly outlasting Russian Safiullina.

Plus, one of the biggest favourites fell by the wayside. Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Monaco tournament due to a hand injury.

I’m not afraid of anyone

The thirty-six year old will face Italy’s Musetti for a place in the quarter-finals. And he desperately needs to do his best. This is the opponent he lost to last year.

“I am not afraid of anything or anyone,” Djokovic said when asked about the upcoming duel. His main argument is the fact that he played the aforementioned match against Safuilllin.

The Serbian tennis player needed 71 minutes to win smoothly 6: 1, 6: 2, his Russian opponent practically did not get into the match at all. Djokovic’s confidence seems justified.

Let’s look forward to seeing if his last year’s overcomer will be a bigger obstacle for the world number one. There’s a lot at stake. If Djokovic wants to retain his world number one status, he needs a good supply of points from the upcoming clay tournaments.

Source: ATP, X