"He had a hard time dealing with the wind, I'm not real worried about his game" - Paul Annacone on Novak Djokovic's early loss in Monte-Carlo
Paul Annacone has declared that Novak Djokovic's early defeat in Monte-Carlo was not a big deal and that he's not worried about the Serb's game.
The World No. 1 had a torrid start to the claycourt season as he was beaten by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round of the Monte-Carlo Masters. Seeded first in the tournament, Djokovic lost 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1.
BREAKING! Novak Djokovic has been knocked out of the Monte-Carlo Masters after being beaten by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. https://t.co/FusC2yealM
The Serb had entered the tournament having played just three matches this year at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
In a conversation with the Tennis Channel, Annacone said Djokovic appeared to struggle in the windy conditions in Monte-Carlo. The American also tipped the Serb to find his best tennis ahead of his title defense at Roland Garros.
“He had a hard time dealing with the wind," Annacone said. "I’m not real worried about his game, he just had to get the match reps up. I just think it’s not a big deal. He doesn’t want to lose but he wants to make sure he’s playing his best tennis at Roland Garros.”
Novak Djokovic has won only two out of four matches in 2022
Following an impressive 2021 season which saw him win three out of four Slam titles, 2022 has not started well for Novak Djokovic. The Serb could not defend his title at the Australian Open due to his visa being canceled. He was then unable to compete in the Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami as he could not enter the United States due to being unvaccinated against COVID-19.
Djokovic remains the World No. 1 and will stay there for at least a few more weeks given that Daniil Medvedev will be out of action for up to two months as he recovers from his hernia surgery.
A few more matches could help Novak Djokovic find his rhythm and produce some impressive performances as the claycourt season progresses.
The 34-year-old will next compete at the Serbia Open in his hometown of Belgrade. Djokovic won the tournament in 2009 and 2011, and will be keen on triumphing for a third time. He reached the semifinals of the event last year, before losting to Aslan Karatsev in three sets.