Having brother in box helps Djokovic 'on different level'

Novak Djokovic says having brother Marko alongside him at the Monte Carlo Masters will "help me on a different level emotionally".

Serbia's Djokovic, chasing a 100th ATP Tour singles title, is without coach Andy Murray at this week's clay-court event.

Djokovic said it was "never part of the agreement to work with Andy this week," with the Briton expected to return for the Madrid Open later in April.

"My brother Marko was able to join me, so that helps me on a different level emotionally," 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic said., external

"Have some time with my brother and spend some time with him on the road."

World number five Djokovic reached his first final of the season at the Miami Open, losing to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik.

The 37-year-old has not won a singles title on the tour since the season-ending ATP Tour Finals in 2023, with his much-wanted Olympic gold not counting as an ATP title.

Djokovic was bothered by a swollen eye during the final against Mensik and said he had a "little bit of a viral infection" in the lead-up to Monte Carlo.

"It started on semi-finals day in Miami and I did struggle with it in the finals but it's calming down," Djokovic said.

"I'm glad that I found in Miami that joy on the court and, I feel, the performance level.

"It's more about trying to get matches and as many as possible, and obviously to try to peak towards the end of the clay season."

Third-seed Djokovic has a first-round bye and will open against either fellow veteran Stan Wawrinka or Chile's Alejandro Tabilo.

Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Britain's Jack Draper are all competing in Monte Carlo, which takes place from 6-13 April.