MONTE CARLO – Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters has cast doubt on the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s participation at the French Open, but Novak Djokovic said he is still hoping for a final chapter in their storied rivalry.
The 37-year-old Spaniard, who has said he expected to retire after the 2024 season, returned to competition in Brisbane in January, after almost a year sidelined with a hip flexor injury, but has not played an ATP event since.
“As a tennis fan, I want him to play at least one more tournament before he retires,” world No. 1 Djokovic told Eurosport in an interview published on April 6.
“We all know what he’s done on clay in his career, particularly Roland Garros.
“That’s his goal, we all know that, he’s been saying it. For the sake of tennis and Roland Garros in particular, we hope that he can play there. It would be great to have another great encounter.
“It has always been important for our sport to have him on the court... It’s been bad to see him having to forfeit all the tournaments (save Brisbane in the first week of January) from the start of the year.”
Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz, now ranked third after being displaced by Jannik Sinner, was disappointed not to have a chance to face his long-time idol in Monaco.
“If he’s not here, it doesn’t change a lot for me,” Alcaraz said. “I’m not used to seeing him around much. We have not played (in the same) tournaments (at the same time). I’ve played only a few where he is around.
“As a fan of tennis, it’s a shame that he is not here playing in this event.”
The 20-year-old still dreams of teaming up with Nadal at the Paris Olympics.
“I still hope to play with him, the Olympics are four months from now and everything can change. Nadal would be great for me.”
Djokovic will begin his quest for a third title in Monte Carlo on April 9 without coach Goran Ivanisevic in his box, after ending his highly successful partnership with the Croat in March.
The Serb has been working with former doubles world No. 1 Nenad Zimonjic in recent weeks.
“We have known each other really well for more than 20 years. He’s been always like an older brother to me. A mentor, a friend, who always tried to help me as a person and as a player,” Djokovic said.
“When I stopped with Goran, I was starting my clay-court preparation in Belgrade and he was there.
“He came to the court, and we really enjoyed our collaboration and I asked him to come here for a few weeks.
“We are trying to make the most of it. He’s been giving me really useful advice to find the proper position when I’m approaching the net, and it’s something I’m not best at because I don’t play as many doubles matches.”
Meanwhile, Danielle Collins continued her impressive form in her final WTA season by notching her 12th straight tour win on April 6, outclassing Greek third seed Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-3 to reach the final of the Charleston Open.
The American world No. 22, who won her first WTA 1000 title at the Miami Open in March, will face fourth seed Daria Kasatkina on April 7. The match took place after press time.
“It’s been so fun coming out here and battling. It’s what I do. I just love to battle,” the 30-year-old Collins said, as she tied her career-best performance from 2021.
“I played a warrior today. Maria has had such a successful career. One of our most consistent players. It’s never easy. I had to work for it.
“(Kasatkina is) another warrior. Always someone I enjoy battling against. Whether it’s a win or a loss... someone I just respect so much.” REUTERS, AFP
