Novak Djokovic is determined to prepare as best as he can for the clay season as he wants to be at his absolute best if he meets his long-time rival Rafael Nadal.
According to the latest reports from the United States, Djokovic will again miss the Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami.
On Friday, Djokovic said that if banned from Indian Wells and Miami, he would turn his focus on preparing “for the most demanding surface and next challenge.”
When asked if that “next challenge” was beating Nadal on clay, Djokovic seemingly confirmed that it was the case.
“If it’s not a possibility, my friend, I wouldn’t be playing tennis,” Djokovic said, per Sportskeeda.
Djokovic will likely play again in Monte Carlo
After winning the Australian Open, Djokovic returned to action in Dubai – where he made the semifinal before losing to Daniil Medvedev.
On Friday, Florida senator Rick Scott said that Djokovic’s request to be granted special permission to play in the United States has been denied.
If that’s really the case, Djokovic would very likely play again at the Monte Carlo Masters, which starts on April 9th.
“I don’t know what ‘the rest’ is. I’m still waiting for the news from America. If there’s no America, I guess I’ll play clay. Monte-Carlo is probably the next tournament. If that’s the case, I’ll take some time off, I’ll prepare. Clay, as we’ve said, is the most demanding surface. It takes time more than any other surface to prepare for. Look, the year is long. I started off the year in a best possible way, winning many matches in a row, winning Australian Open. That’s the one that I looked for the most. That was the priority in this part of the year. Of course, any other tournament win is a bonus. I will always give everything I possibly can to play my best tennis in every tournament. Yeah, look forward to the next challenge,” Djokovic said.
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