Star duo have point to prove
IN HARNESS: MURRAY, DJOKOVIC EYE MONTE CARLO WIN
Monte Carlo
The top two players in the world, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, both have something to prove as the pair return to the tour from injury to play in this week’s Monte Carlo Masters.
Both have been struggling with elbow injuries, but world No 1 Murray proved his fitness during a recent exhibition with Roger Federer in the Swiss city of Zurich.
Meanwhile, Djokovic showed good form in Davis Cup action last weekend, leading Serbia into the semifinals.
“I feel great,” he said in the principality. “It’s nice to be in a place where I spend a lot of time training. It’s home here. I spend a lot of time on these courts.
“It’s normal for an athlete to go through (injury) ups and downs. I have to believe I’ll get the results I’m hoping for,” added Djokovic, a two-time former winner here.
“All of my thoughts will be on this event, I won it in 2013 and 2015. I’m hoping this is the place to have a new start to the season.”
Federer is the in-form man on tour, but the winner of three titles already this season is skipping the clay-court season curtain-raiser.
The prestige event could be another showpiece for Rafael Nadal, who will kick into gear on his favourite surface as he bids for an unprecedented 10th title at the Country Club overlooking the sea.
Nadal, 30, won his ninth title a year ago after a three-year gap, beating Gael Monfils in the final after dispatching Murray in the semis.
Monfils will be missing as he continues treatment on a knee injury.
Also missing is the injured Canadian Milos Raonic, Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Australian bad boy Nick Kyrgios, who is delaying the start of his clay campaign after a strenuous Davis Cup effort in Brisbane.
France’s Richard Gasquet is still recovering after appendix surgery.
Murray and Djokovic take the top two seedings, with the tournament’s top eight receiving byes into the second round. –