Roddick Not Worried About Djokovic: "The Question He’s Asking Now Is How to Be at His Best for Grand Slam Tournaments"

Novak Djokovic was knocked out early at the Monte-Carlo Masters. The 37-year-old Serb couldn’t maintain momentum after playing the final in Miami and fell in straight sets to Alejandro Tabilo (6-3, 6-4).

This marks Djokovic’s second loss in two meetings against the Chilean, who also defeated the Serbian champion last year in Rome, also in straight sets.

However, one keen observer of the biggest tournaments in the world isn’t overly concerned about Novak Djokovic—Andy Roddick. The former world No. 1 shared his thoughts after the defeat of the player with the most Grand Slam titles in the Open Era.

"I believe we can no longer define a successful year for Djokovic based on winning at least two Grand Slams in a single season. The question he’s asking now is how he can be at his absolute best for the Grand Slam tournaments.

I think that’s what matters most to him right now, rather than worrying about an early loss in Monte-Carlo.

Honestly, I wasn’t even sure we’d see Novak here in this tournament if it weren’t for the fact that he lives nearby. I think this was almost like a paid practice session for him. Next Monday, he’ll be back in Monte-Carlo training for the rest of the clay season.

I don’t put much stock in this result, but if Novak can string together a few weeks where he feels good in training before Roland Garros—even after losing twice to Tabilo—I know who I’d pick to win a best-of-five match in Paris," he elaborated on his podcast.