Novak Djokovic: Pundits discuss “major problem” for world No 1 at Monte Carlo Masters

That is the view of Amazon Prime punditry duo Sam Smith and Mark Petchey.

Blustery weather in Monte Carlo this week has caused a heap of problems for players and caused them at times to delay hitting serves.

After winning his third round match against Taylor Fritz, Djokovic said the conditions had been “very challenging”.

In comparison, Rafael Nadal said he was used to playing in the wind because he was brought up in Mallorca.

But speaking ahead of Djokovic’s quarter-final against Medvedev, Smith and Petchey said the Serbian could encounter some problems.

Smith said: “One aspect we haven’t spoken about is the wind.

“But what it does to the court and how much dust it blows up.

“And it going to be a major problem for Djokovic, who wears contact lenses.”

Petchey added: “Potentially it is a problem if it goes into his eyes.

“He’s never been somebody who’s had a massive love for the wind.”

One positive for Djokovic is having his coach Marian Vajda with him this week after being absent in Indian Wells last month.

And former WTA star Daniela Hantuchova feels Djokovic is better with Vajda around.

She said: “I just feel like it is a different Novak when Marian is around.

“He’s got that fighting spirit. When Marian joins the team, they work extremely hard on the court and it is all about tennis.

“Because with Novak, we know there are so many distractions around his life outside the tennis court.

“He likes to learn, he likes to improve and listen for new things.”

source: express.co.uk