The winner of 20 Grand Slam titles, Novak Djokovic, has been out of the tennis court for a lengthy period of time. So far, he has played only one tournament in 2022, i.e. Dubai Open. After his deportation from Australia, he hoped for a better tournament in Dubai. Unfortunately, he lost in the quarter-final to Jiri Vesely. 

Now, he will make his return once again at the Monte Carlo Masters to start his clay-court campaign. Before his return to the court, former American tennis player Pam Shriver talked about the Serb’s current form and expectations from the tournament.

Pam Shriver expects Novak Djokovic to have some fire in his belly

In the latest episode of the Inside-In podcast, the legendary American player, Pam Shriver, spoke about Novak Djokovic before his Monte Carlo return. According to the former tennis player, it could take Djokovic a couple of tournaments to get going. However, she expects the Serb to have some fire in his belly. 

“I expect him to be anywhere from really rusty, and if he has the wrong draw lose early, to win the tournament. So, in other words, I don’t quite know what to expect. There’s nobody that I know.”

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent

April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT

Madrid Open 2024: Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

April 26, 2024 07:18 AM EDT

Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family

April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“I guess Ash Barty would be the closest one, Serena in her prime, Roger Occasionally and I guess Novak can fit that profile, right? Players who can take such a long period of time off and then get right back at it and win,” Shriver said in the Inside-In podcast. 

“So, it’s possible, it might take him a couple of tournaments, but I think he’s gonna have some fire in his belly and he’s gonna try and get match Nadal at 21 sooner than later,” she further added about catching Rafael Nadal. 

Djokovic could play Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final at Monte Carlo

As Novak is ready to start his campaign on the 12th of April at Monte Carlo, winning the title will not be easy for the Serb. According to the recent draw, the no.1 seed could potentially face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final. Recently, the 18-year-old Spaniard won the Miami Open and has shown some scintillating form over the last month.

So, Djokovic needs to give his all to win the title at Monte Carlo. Also, it could take him a few more tournaments to get going, according to Pam Shriver. 

Watch This Story: Hilarious episodes of Novak Djokovic’s career

Can Djokovic win the Monte Carlo Masters? Let us know in the comments.