'Not great': Novak Djokovic admits having a poor 2024 season

Novak Djokovic admitted 2024 season was not going as per plan and the lofty standards he’s set for himself over the years. The Serb said he was “not having a great season at all” after being knocked out of the Monte Carlo Masters in the semi-finals by Casper Ruud. The 10th-ranked Norwegian beat the World No 1 Djokovic for a first win in six attempts against the record 24-time Grand Slam title winner.

Djokovic insisted that he won’t panic despite seeing a golden opportunity to potentially capture a 41st Masters title snatched by a player he swept off court in the French Open final last year.

Never easy to take the L. Well done Casper.👏 Onwards… #RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/pXsKJqlhcO

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) April 13, 2024

“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 Djokovic.

“Not having a title is – compared to the last 15 years – not a great season at all.”

Djokovic has played only four events this season but expects to pick up pace as his clay court campaign moves to Madrid and Rome before a return to Roland Garros.

He arrived in Monte Carlo after skipping Miami Open following a shock loss to 123rd-ranked Luca Nardi at the Indian Wells Masters.

“I had semis in Australia, the semis here. It’s normal to expect that you have some seasons where you don’t start well - this is the one,” he added.

“Hopefully, I can pick up. In terms of results, I can build from here.

“I’ve played some good tennis. Hopefully, in the next tournaments I’ll be able to play even better.”

Ruud will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the title match in Monte Carlo after the Greek beat Australian Open champion and World No. 2 Jannik Sinner in his semi-final.