Novak Djokovic: evaluating his return to action at the Monte-Carlo Masters

Mar 15, 2017; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Novak Djokovic (SRB) and Nick Kyrgios (AUS) gather their bags to enter the court their fourth round match in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Novak Djokovic (SRB) and Nick Kyrgios (AUS) gather their bags to enter the court their fourth round match in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Novak Djokovic returned to competitive ATP singles action at the Monte-Carlo Masters. The Serbian tennis star saw both ups and downs at the tournament.

Novak Djokovic is becoming secondary to the likes of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Both the Serbian tennis star and Andy Murray need to rediscover their rhythm if they intend to remain on top of the sport. Djokovic fell in the quarterfinals at the Monte-Carlo Masters.

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David Goffin takes the quarterfinal meeting between he and Djokovic in three sets. He wins the match 6-2, 3-6, 7-5.

While the Belgian tennis player has been surging lately, questions must be raised regarding Djokovic. The world No. 2 put up a fight against Goffin, coming back strong in the second set. Goffin, however, played a terrific week of tennis and emerged victorious in the match.

Monte Carlo was Djokovic’s first tournament back from elbow injury. Both he and Murray returned to ATP action at the tournament. Murray, on the other hand, splashed out in a second round loss to Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

Novak Djokovic did win in Doha earlier in the year. Though it was before Federer and Nadal took the tennis world by storm, the Serbian is still in a solid position to reclaim No. 1 status. He must, however, take full advantage of anytime off between now and the French Open. Rafael Nadal will be the player to beat at the Grand Slam, but Djokovic can take the opportunity to silence his critics in the coming months.

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