Novak Djokovic admitted he was ânot having a great season at allâ after he was knocked out of the Monte Carlo Masters by Casper Ruud in the semifinals.
The 10th-ranked Norwegian beat the world number one 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 for a first win in six attempts against the record 24-time Grand Slam title winner.
Djokovic insisted, however, that he wonât panic despite seeing a golden opportunity to go on capture a 41st Masters title snatched away by a player he swept off court in the French Open final last year.
âThere are positives to take away for sure, but Iâm used to a really high standard in terms of expectations and results,â said 36-year-old Djokovic.
âNot having a title is — compared to the last 15 years — not a great season at all.â
Djokovic has played in only four events this season but expects to pick up his pace as his clay court campaign heads to Madrid and Rome before a return to Roland Garros.
He arrived in Monte Carlo having skipped Miami after a shock loss to 123rd-ranked Luca Nardi at the Indian Wells Masters.
âI had semis in Australia, the semis here. Itâs normal to expect that you have some seasons where you donât start well – this is the one,â he added.
âHopefully, I can pick up. In terms of results, I can build from here.
âIâve played some good tennis. Hopefully, in the next tournaments Iâll be able to play even better.â
Ruud will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sundayâs title match in Monte Carlo after the Greek beat Australian Open champion and world number two Jannik Sinner in his semifinal
Source Agencies
