Novak Djokovic is motivated to compete again for biggest titles

Novak Djokovic is able to transfer on from the controversy surrounding his refusal to get vaccinated towards COVID-19.

“I miss competitors,” the Serbian tennis star stated Sunday on the opening day of the clay-court season on the Monte Carlo Masters in Monaco. “I nonetheless really feel motivation to be on the tour and compete… and attempt to problem the very best gamers on the earth for the largest titles.”

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has performed just one match up to now in 2022, dropping to Jiri Vesely within the quarterfinals of the Dubai Championships.

Djokovic couldn’t defend his Australian Open title in January after he was deported from the nation for not being inoculated.

Extra lately, he needed to skip tournaments in Indian Wells, California, and Miami as a result of he couldn’t journey to the USA for a similar cause.

He has declared that he wouldn’t get the vaccine so as to have the ability to compete.

It has been a turbulent begin to 2022 for Djokovic, who went via detention and a court docket case throughout an 11-day saga in Australia earlier than he was despatched house and never allowed to defend his title at Melbourne Park.

Rafael Nadal went on to win the Australian Open for his twenty first main trophy, breaking a tie with Djokovic and Roger Federer.

On the finish of February, Djokovic misplaced his No. 1 rating for the primary time in two years, sliding to No. 2 behind Daniil Medvedev, earlier than reclaiming high spot.

And on March 1, Djokovic introduced that he and coach Marian Vajda have been splitting after 15 years collectively.

“The final 4, 5 months have been actually difficult for me mentally and emotionally however right here I’m and I attempt to depart all that behind and transfer on,” Djokovic stated on Sunday.

Djokovic stated what occurred in Australia has not impacted his capability to win.

“I do not really feel prefer it has left large scars on me that I’m unable to coach or take part in tournaments or dwell my life,” Djokovic stated. “I’ll attempt to use that as a gas for what’s arising.”

His opening match in Monaco is scheduled for Tuesday.

The authorities in France and Monaco lifted most COVID-19 restrictions final month, permitting individuals who aren’t vaccinated into the nation and again into eating places, sports activities arenas and different venues.

Together with his French Open title in 2021 nonetheless contemporary in his thoughts, Djokovic proclaimed that the clay in Monaco is the very best floor to stage his comeback although “traditionally it has not been my most profitable floor.”

“I’ll attempt to use (the French Open title) as an inspiration to kick-start the clay court docket season the very best manner,” Djokovic stated. “I perceive that I most likely gained’t be at my finest, significantly at the start.”

He added that “it’ll take a while, some matches to essentially get within the groove.”

The French Open begins on Could 22 in Paris.