Having brother in box helps Djokovic 'on different level'

Novak Djokovic is excited to have his brother Marko with him at the Monte Carlo Masters. He believes this will help him emotionally.

Djokovic, from Serbia, is aiming for his 100th ATP Tour singles title. His coach, Andy Murray, is not present at this clay-court event. Djokovic mentioned that it was "never part of the agreement" for Murray to join him this week. Murray is expected back for the Madrid Open later in April.

"My brother Marko was able to join me," Djokovic said. "That helps me on a different level emotionally." He looks forward to spending time with Marko on the road.

Djokovic reached his first final of the season at the Miami Open in late March. He lost to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in that match. The 37-year-old has not won a singles title since the ATP Tour Finals in 2023. His Olympic gold medal does not count as an ATP title.

During the final against Mensik, Djokovic had a swollen eye and felt unwell. He mentioned having a "little bit of a viral infection" before Monte Carlo. "It started on semi-finals day in Miami," he explained. "I struggled with it in the finals, but it's calming down."

Djokovic expressed happiness about finding joy on the court in Miami. He aims to play as many matches as possible and peak towards the end of the clay season.

As the third seed, Djokovic has a first-round bye. He will face either Stan Wawrinka or Alejandro Tabilo next. Other competitors include Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Britain's Jack Draper.

World number three Alcaraz's only tournament win this year was in Rotterdam in February. Monte Carlo marks his start on clay courts this season. Alcaraz won last year's French Open and has strong credentials on this surface.

He admitted that pressure to replace suspended Jannik Sinner has affected his form. Sinner is serving a three-month doping ban from tennis.

"A lot of people are telling me I can become number one if Jannik isn't playing," Alcaraz said during a news conference on Sunday. "That pressure has killed me in some way."

Alcaraz stated that he is no longer focused on rankings, which should help him play more freely. "I'm thinking I can't become number one during clay season," he noted.

"I realize I don't have to think about it; I just need to play." This reflects his current mindset going into Monte Carlo.