NOVAK DJOKOVIC HAS set his sights on winning the French Open at Roland Garros after ending Rafa Nadal’s eight-year reign in Monte Carlo.
The Serbian played ‘the best I can on clay’ to defeat his Spanish rival in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6, and claim his first ever Monte Carlo Masters.
Upon winning the match, Djokovic stood with his arms spread wide and roared in ecstasy for several seconds before rushing to the net to console his beaten foe, a man who had won the tourmane for eight successive years and has often been referred to as ‘The King of Clay’.
Speaking after the match, Djokovic said, “I think anybody who saw my expression in the end saw that it was a very emotional win for the reasons [of] living here and what I’ve been through in the last two weeks. It’s a very joyful moment for me… This is a great confidence boost before the rest of the clay-court season.”
The loss was only Nadal’s second in 50 matches in Monte Carlo. He still leads overall head-to-heads against the Serb 19-15 [12-3 on clay]. The tide is turning, it seems, as Djokovic has become the first man to beat Nadal in three clay court finals.
Djokovic commented, “The first six, seven games, eight games, were unbelievable. It’s the best that I can play on clay. It’s the only way you can win against Rafa.”
Turning his focus to the French Open next month, Djokovic declared it was no secret that his main target this season is to win his first title at Roland Garros.
He added, “I’m right in the place where I want to be in this moment confidence wise and game wise. I just need to do what I have always done: stay committed, rest well, prepare well… get ready for next challenge.”
YouTube credit: ATPWorldTour
