Tennis for Djoko is now a balancing act

Novak Djokovic admitted on Sunday that he is carrying muted expectations as the Monte Carlo Masters begins.

The Serb who began turning his below-average season around last month with a Miami final, said that at age 37 he is weighing the balance between tennis life and personal life.

“I’ve not had much time to get used to the clay (after dealing with both viral and eye infection problems since the Miami semi-finals).

“I don’t have high expectations, I’m just trying to get as many matches as possible.

“I hope to peak towards the end of the clay season (in Paris).”

The father of two, twice a titleholder in the principality (2013, 2015), confessed that he is at a crossroads as he strives to crack his 100th career title and also set the all-time mark of 25 Grand Slam singles titles.

“I’m having a balancing act, equilibrium between professional and private life,” the 37-year-old who celebrates a birthday next month said.

“I still have the motivation to keep going, even during practice weeks. But they are more difficult now than at any time in my career.”

He quickly added a note of optimism as he prepares for a second-round start in the principality in the first clay event of the European spring.

“(A final in Miami) gives me more inspiration to keep going.  I feel great on the court, I’m striking the ball well and winning matches.

Djokovic said he often hears conflicting voices regarding his tennis future.

“When you start to lose early, more questions appear. There are more inner voices which are bringing doubts on whether to keep going.

“I’m glad I found joy on the court in Miami, let’s see if I can carry that performance onto clay,”