Novak Djokovic admitted he was "not having a great season at all" after he was knocked out of the Monte Carlo Masters by Casper Ruud in the semi-finals on April 13.
The 10th-ranked Norwegian won 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 for a first win in six attempts against the record 24time Grand Slam singles champion.
Djokovic insisted, however, that he will not panic despite seeing a golden opportunity to go on to capture a 41st Masters title snatched away by a player he swept off court in the 2023 French Open final.
"There are positives to take away for sure, but I'm used to a really high standard in terms of expectations and results," said 36-year-old world No. 1.
"Not having a title is - compared to the last 15 years - not a great season at all." 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 then 123rd-ranked Luca Nardi at Indian Wells.
This story is from the April 15, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the April 15, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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