"He wasn’t feeling well before he came here, he was sick" - Coach Goran Ivanisevic after Novak Djokovic's early exit at the Monte-Carlo Masters

Novak Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic has claimed that the Serb was "sick" in the build-up to the Monte-Carlo Masters and was not match ready.

Djokovic suffered a second-round exit at the Principality, losing 3-6, 7-6(5), 1-6, to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. After the defeat, the Serb admitted he was fatigued in the deciding set and had lost his legs.

Speaking exclusively to Ubaldo Scanagatta of Ubitennis, Ivanisevic revealed that he took ill before traveling to Monte-Carlo.

"He wasn’t feeling well before he came here. He was sick. Let’s say he’s not fit one hundred percent to compete," Ivanisevic said.

Novak Djokovic's unvaccinated status forced him to sit out of Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami. Initially, it appeared as though he would miss the Monte-Carlo as well, given France's COVID-19 pass. However, the French government changed its rules a few weeks ago, opening the door for Djokovic to play in the Principality.

Goran Ivanisevic pointed out that the uncertainty surrounding Djokovic's participation played on the Serb's mind and prevented him from preparing freely. Having said that, the Croat believes the Serb will do what is needed to get back into form ahead of Roland Garros.

"First of all in this situation. Three weeks ago he was not allowed to play here because of the Covid decision," Ivanisevic said. "Then France opened and he was allowed. And it’s difficult mentally. You can play to the semifinals. But you can’t prepare the way you would need to. And then he got sick. And, to be honest, I didn’t expect something spectacular from this tournament."

"But he’ll be going to the French Open in five/six weeks, he’s got a couple more tournaments and he will be ready," he added.

"Novak Djokovic is the best player in the history of tennis, he always finds a way to win" - Goran Ivanisevic

The World No. 1 in action at the 2022 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

During the interview with Ubaldo Scanagatta, Ivanisevic was asked if Djokovic could have found his rhythm had he beaten Davidovich Fokina. In response, the Croat highlighted that one of the best attributes of Djokovic is that he generally manages to find a way to win.

"You never know. This guy for me is the best player in the history of tennis. He always finds a way to win, he always finds a way to get out of trouble," said the Croat.

The former Wimbledon champion believes Djokovic was "supposed to" bagel the Spaniard in the second set but instead expended needless amounts of energy by winning it in a tie-break.

"About yesterday first of all, he was supposed to win the second set 6-0," Ivanisevic said. "One moment he was losing three love when he was supposed to be leading three love. He had break points and game points. He lost a lot of energy. But he’ll find his way out of this in his constant playing."

The World No. 1 had played only three matches on tour (all in Dubai) ahead of the Monte-Carlo Masters. He was prevented from playing in Australia and the United States due to the fact that he's unvaccinated.

Ivanisevic pointed out how the Serb took his time to find his footing on clay last year after an early exit at Monte-Carlo. As such, the 50-year-old believes Djokovic will regain his form this year, too, once he gets more matches under his belt.

"He only had three matches prior to this tournament," Ivanisevic said. "Clay is not easy. Last year he started pretty badly here, he lost to Evans in the second round. Then in Belgrade he lost in the semis. He started to play well in Rome where he got to the final, then he won the French Open. So I’m not worried. He just needs some continuity, he needs to play more and more matches and he’s going to find his way."