Watch: Novak Djokovic hits the practice nets in Belgrade as he gears up for a return on clay in Monte-Carlo
Former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has resumed practice in his hometown of Belgrade as he prepares himself for a return to the court in the clay court swing.
The Serbian made a marvelous start to the 2023 season by winning the Adelaide International and the 2023 Australian Open. At the Dubai Tennis Championships, the Serbian lost to Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals.
Djokovic was scheduled to participate in the Sunshine Double; however, due to his unvaccinated status, the 22-time Grand Slam winner was forced to withdraw his name ahead of the tournaments, the Miami Open and the Indian Wells Masters.
The World No. 2 is set to return to the court during the clay court season at the Monte-Carlo Masters in Monaco. The tournament is scheduled to commence on April 9 and will see the 35-year-old aiming to win his third trophy of the 2023 season.
In a social media video uploaded by Belgrade-based journalist Sasa Ozmo on Twitter, Djokovic is seen hitting a few balls on a clay court in Belgrade.
"Novak #Djokovic in practice today in Belgrade," Ozmo captioned his tweet.
Ana MatovićNovak #Djokovic in practice today in Belgrade 🎾
📹 Ana Matović https://t.co/NYt5acKtOD
Ozmo shared another short clip from the tennis icon's practice session.
Some more from #Djokovic practice today. https://t.co/yS2gsS32gp
A brief look at Novak Djokovic's record at Monte-Carlo Masters
The Serbian tennis legend made his Monte-Carlo debut in 2006. In his maiden Monte-Carlo tournament, Djokovic lost to tennis icon Roger Federer in the round of 64. He won his first match of the tournament in 2007 when he beat Gaston Gaudio in the round of 32, after receiving a walkover in the first round.
The 35-year-old reached his first semifinals in 2008. However, he had to retire mid-match while Federer was leading, 6-3, 3-2. The very next year, he reached the finals of the tournament. The World No. 2 lost the clash to Rafael Nadal.
In 2013, the Serbian won his first Monte-Carlo title by beating Nadal in the finals. It was his first win in three duels against the southpaw. The former World No. 1 won his second title in 2015 when he defeated Tomas Berdych in the summit clash. The Serbian had earlier defeated Nadal in the semifinals of the event.
In 2022, the veteran lost to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the round of 32. Since his 2015 triumph, the 2023 Australian Open winner has failed to reach the semifinals of the event.