Novak Djokovic began his Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters campaign with a convincing 6-1, 6-2 against Roman Safiullin to reach the third round on Tuesday.
Djokovic, who had been on the sidelines ever since his shocking defeat to Luca Nardi in the Indian Wells, sent a strong message to his doubters with a strong performance as he overcame his opponent without any trouble.
The Serb arrived in Monte-Carlo without winning any title in the 2024 season so far with his best result being the semi-final of the Australian Open where he lost to the eventual winner Jannik Sinner.
The 36-year-old will face the winner of Arthur Fils or Lorenzo Musetti in the third round. The Italian upset the Serb in Monte-Carlo at the same stage last season.
"I am very pleased," Djokovic said after the win against Safiullin. "I think even the games that I lost I had break points in those games. It is a really great first match at the start of the clay season. It has always been a little bit up and down.
“Last year as well, I started off well at this tournament and the second match I lost, so I hope to maintain this rhythm. I have a day tomorrow of training and I hope to come out in a few days time with the same attitude and quality of tennis."
Djokovic, who turns 37 in May, became the oldest World No 1 in ATP Rankings history overtaking the legendary Roger Federer.
"It is nice, it is great," Djokovic said. "I met [Rohan] Bopanna yesterday, who is the oldest doubles No 1 in history. He said we had a combined age of 80, but he does contribute to the 80 more than I do. But it is fun.
"To still be able to compete at the highest level and being No 1 in the world at the age of 37 is not something honestly [I was] dreaming of, planning on or thinking it would become reality. But all the work and dedication to the sport and my body, staying fit is paying off. I am able to maintain the longevity and extend the career for years and years."
