Djokovic was beaten by Medvedev (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic insists he’s not concerned by his recent dip in form and hopes to peak for the French Open, despite an early defeat on the clay courts of Monte Carlo.

The world No. 1 was taken out by Russia’s Daniil Medvedev on Friday afternoon, failing to find his best form and looking tight in big moments.

It was a familiar tale for Djokovic since a rampant Australian Open win at the start of the year. He has failed to string three match wins in a row since destroying Rafael Nadal in the final at Melbourne Park.

At this stage in his career, the 31-year-old has made no secret of his desire to prioritise the biggest events, namely Grand Slam titles, but there’s perhaps reason to be alarmed at the manner in which his form has dropped off a cliff since leaving Australia.


Djokovic was not too concerned (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Early losses came in Indian Wells and Miami last month but in the aftermath of a 6-3 4-6 6-2 loss to world No. 14 Medvedev, Djokovic brushed off concerns and remains focused on building his form slowly in order to produce his best tennis at Roland Garros.



‘Well, yeah, for sure. I mean, French Open is the ultimate goal on clay, and I hope I can – I mean, for sure, it’s expected in a way for me to peak right at that tournament, because that’s what I’m aiming for,’ he said.

‘This is only the first tournament on clay, and it’s a long season. Let’s see how it goes.

‘Look, maybe I’m lacking the consistency with the top results in the last couple of years in the best tournaments, but Grand Slams I have been playing my best, and that’s what I intend to do.’

Medvedev secured a fine win (Picture: Getty)

Medvedev won just one match on a clay court in 2018 but has already picked up four wins in Monte Carlo and Djokovic was impressed by the 23-year-old’s form.

‘He’s got a very solid backhand. He doesn’t make many mistakes from the backhand. He hits it very low with depth,’ he added.

‘You know, a windy day like today, you know, conditions are changing every single game. It’s kind of tough, you know, to find the rhythm, and he doesn’t give you much rhythm.

‘He’s got a big serve. His forehand can be effective, but also, he can make mistakes from that corner, so the backhand is obviously the more solid one. But he improved his movement a lot since last year. He definitely deserves to be where he is.’

Medvedev will go on to face Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic in Saturday’s semi-final.