Back as world number one and chance to take home his third title in Monte Carlo.
But the tournament is only this year's second appearance for Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic.
Because he did not get vaccinated for covid-19, he missed the Australian Open in sensational forms and prestigious Indian Wells in the USA.
- I do not feel that it has affected me so much that I have not been able to train or participate in tournaments or live my life.
But it has definitely been some very challenging months and nothing I have experienced before.
I will try to use it as a lighter fluid for what is to come, says Djokovic at a press conference.
"Greatest you can achieve"
Although he did not play most tournaments during the year, the 34-year-old is again back as number one in the world rankings and today begins his 365th week in the position.
- I did not expect to be number one when I did not play in tournaments this year, but I guess I was lucky.
Being number one is the biggest thing you can achieve in our sport, he says.
In February, Djokovic participated in the ATP tournament in Dubai and was knocked out by Jiri Vesely in the quarterfinals.