Novak Djokovic vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina:

We have not seen Novak Djokovic on the tennis courts since late February, a tournament in Dubai, where the Serb performed, to put it mildly, poorly. The first opponent for the Balkan at the tournament in Monte Carlo will be Spaniard Davidovich Fokina, who already has practice on the courts of the Principality. Despite this practice, bookmakers have little doubt in the victory of the world's first racket. It is difficult to argue with such conclusions.

By some miracle Novak retained the lead in the ATP race before Monte Carlo, ahead of Daniil Medvedev by 10 points. The tournament in Monaco was repeatedly won Nadal, who wont participate this time. Tsitsipas took it last season, Djokovic won twice, in 2013 and 2015. Novak has not yet made a loud claim to the title in Monaco, but it is obvious that the Serb will try to keep the title of first racket of the world as long as possible. For this purpose it would not hurt to win the competition on the Côte d'Azur.

I did not expect that I would be the first racket of the world without playing this season. I must have been lucky. But I’m glad I’ll take this luck. I will try to stay in first place as long as possible

Novak Djokovic before Monte-Carlo tournament

For the Spaniard, the upcoming match world will be the second at the tournament and the third on a clay court in the season. Before Monte-Carlo Davidovich Fokina failed in Morocco losing to Argentine Coria in three sets. In Monaco, Alejandro met with the American Giron and beat him in two games. Last season on the clay court Davidovich Fokina played 23 matches winning 16 and failing 7 times.

Djokovic has not played at the official level for a long time, so it is unlikely that the Balkan is in optimal shape. Still, this fact will hardly prevent the first racket of the world from beating Davidovich Fokina in the shortest possible time. There is an obvious level difference between the rivals, and Novak is known for his ability to prepare well for important tournaments.