Venus Williams: Aspiring players should take a look at Novak Djokovic's footwork

Venus Williams reckons that observing Novak Djokovic play is key to those looking to improve their footwork on the court.

While answering a question from a tennis fan on Instagram, Williams explained that taking "short adjustment steps" before one hits the ball is crucial.

The 42-year-old advised aspiring players to observe Novak Djokovic's footwork with a view to working on their own as part of a tennis question-answer session on social media.

"Short adjustment steps before you hit the ball are crucial. Take a look at Novak Djokovic's footwork," she wrote.

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With regard to the psychological aspect of the game, Williams was asked how one could stay mentally centered on the present after losing tough points.

The American tennis great stressed that staying focussed on the next opportunity in was important as it is impossible to change the past.

"Bro you can't change the past so focus on your next opportunity in the present and in the future," she said.

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One fan asked the seven-time singles Grand Slam champion if she played pickleball after having noticed a paddle in her possession.

Unlike veterans like John McEnroe and Andre Agassi, who recently played in a pickleball slam, Venus Williams admitted that she hadn't yet played the game but was eagerly looking forward to the chance after having tried her hand at padel.

"Someone gave one to me but I haven't played yet. I can't wait to! Getting back on the court is a priority. But I played padel today!"

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Novak Djokovic aims for third title in Monte-Carlo in the absence of Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz

Djokovic in action at the 2022 Monte-Carlo Open

Novak Djokovic, who regained the World No. 1 position following Carloz Alcaraz's semifinal exit in Miami, will be aiming to win the title in Monte-Carlo after a gap of seven years.

Djokovic's historic maiden win in 2013 ended arch rival Rafael Nadal's eight-time winning streak at the venue. Nadal will, however, not be a part of the 2023 edition much like Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated the Serb en route to the Madrid Open title last year.

The 35-year-old thus has a golden chance to clinch the clay-court Masters title for the third time in his career.

Djokovic, who played his first match in Monte-Carlo against then World No. 1 Roger Federer back in 2006, failed to get past the opening round last year after going down to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Daniil Medvedev, who is in stellar form having won four titles already this season, will be seeking to ruin the party for the 22-time Grand Slam champion despite admitting that he does not fancy playing on the red dirt.

The 2023 Monte-Carlo Open begins on April 9.