Novak Djokovic is “feeling great” in Monte Carlo as Carlos Alcaraz withdraws due to injury

Novak Djokovic expressed his satisfaction after a commanding victory over Roman Safiullin at the Monte Carlo Masters, while third seed Carlos Alcaraz withdrew due to injury.

Djokovic, the world number one, delivered an impressive performance on the main Rainier III court, defeating the unseeded Russian 6-1, 6-2 after receiving a bye in the first round.

Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic stated, “My feeling was great. I think it’s been one of my best performances I’ve had here in quite a few years.”

The Serb, who recently became the oldest world number one in ATP rankings history, displayed no signs of slowing down as he broke Safiullin’s serve twice to dominate the first set. Djokovic continued his dominance by breaking his opponent’s serve five times throughout the match.

Next, Djokovic will face Lorenzo Musetti in the third round, following Musetti’s victory over Arthur Fils.

Meanwhile, prior to Djokovic’s match, Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the tournament due to an injury to his right forearm.

Alcaraz expressed his disappointment on social media, stating, “I have been working in Monte Carlo and trying to recover until the last minute from an injured pronator teres (muscle) in my right arm, but it was not possible and I cannot play.”

Alcaraz’s withdrawal allowed Italian Lorenzo Sonego to enter the draw as a lucky loser. Alcaraz was set to face Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round.

In other matches, American Sebastian Korda secured a convincing victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round.