"I think the Madrid Open is going to give him a lot of confidence" - Tournament director Feliciano Lopez on Novak Djokovic
Madrid Masters tournament director Feliciano Lopez thinks Novak Djokovic could go on a confidence-boosting run at the Caja Magica this week.
Due to his unvaccinated status, the World No. 1 was not allowed to defend his title at the Australian Open. He was also not allowed entry into the Indian Wells and Miami Masters.
Making his season debut in Dubai, the Serb reached the quarterfinals. He was then upset in his tournament opener in Monte-Carlo. On his next stop at the Serbia Open in Belgrade, Djokovic got a few more matches under his belt, eventually losing in the final to Andrey Rublev.
With tournaments around the tour easing COVID-19 vaccination rules, Djokovic is all set to compete in Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros in the next few weeks.
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Courtside for a special practice session in Madrid!
@DjokerNole @alcarazcarlos03 https://t.co/eK5lfXpWKB
Lopez, on his part, reckons the Serb can produce a few strong performances in Madrid to kickstart his season.
"Djokovic is happy, it seems that the countries are already letting people in again. It is costing him a little because he has played few games and the issue of vaccination has affected his calendar. He loves Madrid and Spain, he has a house in Marbella. I think the Mutua Madrid Open is going to give him a lot of confidence".
Djokovic will open his bid for a fourth Madrid Masters title against Gael Monfils of France on Tuesday.
@DjokerNole will start his #MMOPEN campaign later today. Are you ready?Showtime! 🤩🤩
🇷🇸 @DjokerNole will start his #MMOPEN campaign later today. Are you ready? https://t.co/04HOq45LnE
Novak Djokovic faces tough road to Madrid final
Novak Djokovic has a dominant 17-0 record against Gael Monfils and will be expected to ease into the next round. But his path gets exponentially tougher from there on.
His next opponent could be the dangerous Denis Shapovalov or old foe Andy Murray before a possible quarterfinal meeting with up-and-coming Norwegian Casper Ruud.
The World No. 1 has been drawn in the same half as home favourites Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, and he could face a tough test of his title credentials in the last four against one of the two Spaniards.
He has never met Alcaraz before but has lost five of his last six meetings with the 'King of Clay' on the red dirt. However, he did beat the Spaniard in their last meeting in the Roland Garros semifinals last year.
Djokovic could meet either Alexander Zverev or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the title clash.
Having played only eight matches all year, it remains to be seen if the Serb can make back-to-back finals in the Spanish capital. He notably won the title on his last visit to Madrid in 2019.