Novak Djokovic, the Serbian titan of tennis, stands on the brink of yet another historic milestone as he prepares to step onto the clay of the Monte Carlo Masters this Sunday. At 37, with a record 24 Grand Slam titles already to his name, Djokovic isn’t just playing for another trophy—he’s chasing immortality. His first match at this year’s tournament could see him surpass Rafael Nadal’s mark for the most ATP Masters 1000 match wins, a record currently tied at 410. With the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop and the weight of history on his shoulders, Djokovic’s opener against either Alejandro Tabilo or Stan Wawrinka promises to be more than just a match—it’s a moment where the past and future of tennis collide.
The Monte Carlo Masters, kicking off its 56th edition on April 6 at the picturesque Monte-Carlo Country Club, is no stranger to Djokovic’s brilliance. He’s lifted the trophy here twice, in 2013 and 2015, the latter a testament to his dominance over Nadal, ending the Spaniard’s eight-year reign. Now, he arrives fresh off a strong showing in Miami, where he reached the final and notched his 410th Masters 1000 win, matching Nadal’s haul. “I’m honored to have another milestone, another record broken,” he said after that victory, his voice carrying the quiet confidence of a man who’s made a career of rewriting the sport’s record books. But Monte Carlo offers more than just a chance to pull ahead—it’s a homecoming of sorts. Djokovic, a resident of the principality, trains on these very courts, giving him an intimate familiarity with the slow, red clay that could prove decisive.
This year’s draw is a gauntlet, even for a player of Djokovic’s caliber. If he faces Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion and 2014 Monte Carlo winner, it’ll be their 28th clash—a rivalry Djokovic leads 21-6, though their 2015 Roland Garros final, won by Wawrinka, lingers as a reminder of the Swiss star’s clay-court prowess. Tabilo, a Chilean wildcard, stunned Djokovic in Rome last year, adding an element of unpredictability. “There’s always something on the line pretty much every time I play,” Djokovic reflected, acknowledging the stakes that follow him onto every court. Beyond the opener, the path grows thornier—Grigor Dimitrov looms as a potential third-round foe, while Alex de Minaur or Daniil Medvedev could await in the quarterfinals. A semifinal showdown with top seed Alexander Zverev or defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas isn’t out of the question either.
Djokovic’s pursuit of history comes at a pivotal moment. He’s already the only man to achieve a triple Career Grand Slam, winning each major at least three times, and his 40 Masters 1000 titles are a record. Monte Carlo, though, holds a unique challenge—it’s the only Masters 1000 event he hasn’t won three times, a gap that could close this week and make him the first to complete a Triple Career Golden Masters. “I always love playing in Monte Carlo,” he’s said, a sentiment that rings true as he seeks his 100th tour-level title. His clay-court record here is mixed—early exits in recent years contrast with those triumphant runs a decade ago—but his late-2024 resurgence suggests he’s rediscovering his peak.
The tournament itself is a star-studded affair. Carlos Alcaraz, the second seed, headlines the bottom half, facing a tricky opener against Fabio Fognini or Francisco Cerundolo. Zverev, chasing his first Monte Carlo title, could meet Matteo Berrettini early on, while Tsitsipas, who’s won three of the last four editions, aims to continue his reign. Yet, all eyes are on Djokovic, whose every match carries the weight of legacy. “I enjoy the thrill of the butterflies before the match,” he admitted, revealing a human side to his relentless drive. Even after 420 weeks as world No. 1 and a career that’s redefined greatness, he still feels the nerves—and the excitement—of what’s next.
For Djokovic, Monte Carlo isn’t just about the record—it’s about building momentum for Roland Garros, where he’s the defending champion. The clay season is a marathon, and this first Masters 1000 stop is his chance to set the tone. Fans in Monaco and beyond will watch as he takes the court, racquet in hand, ready to carve out another chapter in his storied career. Will he break Nadal’s record in his opener? Will he claim a third Monte Carlo crown? One thing’s certain: when Novak Djokovic plays, history is never far behind. As the clay dust settles, the tennis world waits to see if the ‘Djoker’ will deal another ace in his quest to stand alone atop the sport’s pantheon.