Novak Djokovic's next tournament: Where and when will he compete next after Indian Wells and Miami Open setback?

Novak Djokovic will be looking to put the disappointment of having to sit out the Indian Wells and Miami as he shifts focus to the clay court swing — where he will play his first tournament at the 2023 Monte Carlo Masters.

The Serb's vaccination status has kept him from playing in any tournament in the United States. That said, with the European summer swing on the horizon, the former World No. 1's fans will have plenty to look forward to in the coming months.

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Where is Novak Djokovic playing?

Novak with the 2015 Monte Carlo Rolex Masters tophy.

Djokovic will shift his focus to the red dirt, having confirmed his participation in Monte Carlo Masters — one of the oldest features of the men's Tour. The ATP 1000 Masters tournament will host its 116th edition this April.

Playing in the tournament last year as the top seed, the former World No. 1 had received a by in the first round. Facing off against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round, the Serb suffered a shock three-set defeat at the hands of the Spaniard.

The 35-year-old has lifted the Monte Carlo Masters trophy on two prior occasions. He, however, hasn't progressed past the quarterfinal stage at the tournament since 2015.

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Who is Novak Djokovic's biggest competition?

Djokovic is locked in a back-and-forth battle with Carlos Alcaraz for the World No. 1 ranking. The Spaniard, who again overtook the 35-year-old atop the ranking ladder earlier in the year, will also be the Serb's biggest competitor at this year's tournament.

Third-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas and the 2021 and 2022 Monte Carlo Masters and clay court specialist Casper Ruud also feature on this year's entry list, as does Daniil Medvedev — who ousted the Serb in the summit clash of the 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships.

Rafael Nadal, the most celebrated winner in Monte Carlo, will also be gunning for a record-extending 12th trophy.

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Novak Djokovic's match schedule

The 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters kicks off at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 9.

Monte Carlo Masters begins in the second week of April, with the main draw action set to begin on April 9 (Sunday). Likely to be among the top seeds in the tournament, Novak Djokovic will receive a bye in the opening round.

The Serb will most likely be seen in action at the Monte Carlo Country Club — the venue for the ATP 1000 Masters event— on April 10 (Monday) or 11 (Tuesday) for his second-round encounter.