Novak Djokovic says his ultimate goal is to “peak” at the French Open. Djokovic, 35, is kicking off his clay season today at the Monte Carlo Masters. After Monte Carlo, Djokovic is also scheduled to play at the Serbia Open in Banja Luka and the Masters events in Madrid and Rome.
Then, Djokovic will head to Roland Garros, where he will try to win his third French Open title. “I have to say, it’s in the back of my mind, as an ultimate goal on clay. I really want to be able to build my form so I can peak in Paris.
It’s still a long way. The clay-court season is quite long, you have pretty much every week some strong events and tournaments. Hopefully, I can start the clay season here in a positive way. I’m mainly focused on what I can deliver here and then of course moving into different weeks.
But of course, Roland-Garros is an ultimate goal,” Djokovic told Eurosport.
Djokovic feels at home in Monte Carlo
Djokovic has a home in Monte Carlo so this week he is not staying at a hotel. Djokovic arrived in Monte Carlo 10 days before the start of the tournament.
Since then, Djokovic has been practicing and preparing for the first clay Masters of the year. “It’s great to sleep in your own bed, on your own pillow. It’s normally not like that, you’re always travelling around.
It’s nice to have the family also, of course, it brings you some peace of mind when you’re off-site and you can recharge your batteries, come here and put your competitive face on and try to deliver your best,” Djokovic said.
When Djokovic meets Gakhov today, it will be the first meeting between the Serb and the Russian. Anything except a routine win for Djokovic would be a surprise.
