While fellow junior Miomir Kecmanovic became one of five players to reach the fourth round of at least four tournaments since the beginning of the season on March 29, Novak Djokovic just practiced for the first time on clay courts in Belgrade.

Djokovic has won two and lost one match since the beginning of 2022. Photo: ATP

Dubai is one of Djokovic’s most important destinations in the first half of the season.

`At the top level of competition, the error will be proportional to the time you are absent from the tour,` former world number one Mats Wilander commented on Djokovic’s situation on Eurosport.

Djokovic’s performance in the clay season will be partly shown in the first tournament at the Monte Carlo Masters on April 10.

Djokovic’s other difficulty is that the confidence of his opponents when meeting him is also greater now than a year ago.

Djokovic has won in Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros at least twice each tournament.

Djokvoic won the Monte Carlo Masters twice, in 2013 and 2015. But, he only reached the quarterfinals in the last five times the tournament was held.

According to the expected schedule, Djokovic will participate in the Serbia Open right after the Monte Carlo Masters.

`I think Rafa Nadal is still the number one candidate at Roland Garros,` Andy Murray said when attending the BNP Paribas Open last week.

Djokovic and the career-threatening break

Djokovic practices at his tennis club in Belgrade on March 29.

The challenge to Nole from potential competitors is becoming clearer and clearer.

`The pressure to chase Nadal is something that will make Novak uncomfortable,` Wilander added about Djokovic’s difficulties.

According to Wilander, Djokovic needs 10-15 matches to reach the ideal state for Roland Garros.

Djokovic created a magical 2021 season with countless comeback wins at the Grand Slam.

`The mental problem now needs Djokovic to solve,` Gilbert said in an interview with legend Patrick McEnroe on March 29.

Djokovic must defend 5,575 points until August, including 2,000 points at Roland Garros and 2,000 points at Wimbledon.