Djokovic Battles Eye Infection Ahead of Monte-Carlo Masters
Novak Djokovic's chances at the Monte-Carlo Masters are uncertain due to an ongoing eye infection, but he remains focused on the upcoming French Open.
Novak Djokovic is tempering expectations for the Monte-Carlo Masters due to an ongoing eye infection. The world No. 5 tennis player, who recently finished as a finalist at the Miami Masters, admits his chances in Monte Carlo are uncertain. Despite being a two-time winner in Monte Carlo, Djokovic hasn't secured a title since his gold medal win at the Paris Olympics last summer.
The eye infection, which began affecting him during the Miami semifinals, has left Djokovic with limited optimism for his performance in Monte Carlo. “I'm glad I found that joy on the court and performance level,” he said, “but it's a different surface, and I didn't have time to adjust, so my expectations are not high.” His focus now shifts to gaining match experience and peaking for the French Open.
Djokovic's immediate priority is his upcoming match against either Alejandro Tabilo or Stanislas Wawrinka, and he acknowledges the challenge of competing on clay after a hard-court season. He plans to take things one day at a time, aiming to build momentum as the clay season progresses, particularly with the French Open on the horizon.
The Miami hard courts saw a resurgence in form for the 37-year-old, despite ultimately falling to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in straight sets in the final.
“I'm glad that I found at least in Miami that joy on the court and, I feel, performance level,” said the former world No.1 at a press conference ahead of the tournament.
“Let's see if I can carry that into clay.
“It's obviously a completely different surface and I didn't have much time to get used to this tournament, so my expectations are not really high for the results here.
“It's more about trying to get matches and as many as possible, and obviously try to peak towards the end of the clay season which is, of course, most importantly in Paris.”
The French Open, scheduled to take place from May 25 to June 8 at Roland Garros, is the second Grand Slam of the season. This event follows the Australian Open, where Novak Djokovic reached the semi-finals before being forced to withdraw due to an injury against Alexander Zverev. With his sights set on the clay-court major, Djokovic revealed that an ongoing eye infection and a mild viral infection have made him reconsider his participation in the Monte-Carlo Masters.
“I started struggling with it in the semi-finals in Miami, and it continued into the finals, but it's calming down, I guess,” Djokovic explained. “I'm visiting the doctor later today, so let's see. It should be okay,” he added, expressing cautious optimism about his condition. Having received a first-round bye in Monte Carlo, Novak Djokovic's next challenge will be against either Chilean Alejandro Tabilo or Stanislas Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam winner, in the second round.
🇷🇸 Novak Djokovic says his eye issue is improving, but not ideal:
— Olly Tennis 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) April 6, 2025
“It [MC participation] was [in doubt].
Particularly because of the infection of the eye and and a little bit of a viral infection I've been dealing with last week, but it seems to be okay these days. I mean,… pic.twitter.com/W3e94y5rQz
“People talk about my age, but what about him? He's 40 and he's still going strong. I love Stan.
“It would be a nice duel of veterans if we meet on the court.”
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