Novak Djokovic Will Play Monte Carlo

Written by: Staff on 17th April 2013

Novak Djokovic Will Play Monte Carlo

epa03653352 Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a return against Sam Querrey of the US during the 2013 Davis Cup World Group quarter final at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho, USA, 07 April 2013. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO |

Gambling on fitness seems to be the 2013 trend for the male superstars of the ATP World Tour. First Rafael Nadal opted to play the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, despite acknowledging hard courts caused the most damage to his suspect knees, and ended up with the title.

Now Novak Djokovic has decided to contest the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters after much introspection and even more treatment after injuring his right ankle just ten days ago securing Serbia’s Davis Cup win over the United States.

The world no.1 admitted his participation in what is effectively his home-town tournament as he lists Monaco as his place of residence, remains a “day-by-day” proposition.

Djokovic was scheduled to play the third match on Court Central at the Monte Carlo Country Club today against the 27th ranked Russian Mikhael Youzhny after a day of mystery in the Principality. After promising to give an afternoon decision on his fitness, there was no announcement from Djokovic despite a succession of media requests.

Then in the early evening, with the sun setting over the Mediterranean backdrop to the tournament, he chose Twitter to release a video declaration. “I will be playing tomorrow in Monte Carlo, my first match,” confirmed Djokovic.

“I’m very excited about it, to be honest, because in the last six or seven days I’ve been doing everything in my power, after the incident in the Davis Cup in order to recover.

“My ankle is in a state that is good enough for me to perform. Hopefully I can perform my best and win, and I can see how it goes day by day.”

The likes of a resurgent Ernests Gulbis and fifth seeded Juan Martin del Potro would likely provide Djokovic’s next opposition were he to win through against Youzhny.

Djokovic made a quick exit from Boise, Idaho after suffering the injury on April 7. He headed straight for Monte Carlo where he underwent scans on his ankle and it’s believed he has been practicing with coach Marian Vajda since last Friday. Last year Djokovic lost out in the Monte Carlo final to seven times champion Rafael Nadal as he came to terms with his personal grief after his grandfather passed away.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Atp World Tour, Ernests Gulbis, Juan Martin Del Potro, Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, Novak Djokovic, Serbian tennis news, Sports, Tennis News