INTERNATIONAL: Novak Djokovic plans to use the challenging experiences he has endured this year due to being unvaccinated against COVID-19 as fuel for the rest of the season, the world number one said on Sunday 10th April ahead of his return to action in Monte Carlo.

The 20-times Grand Slam champion was unable to defend his Australian Open title in January after being deported from the country, having initially been admitted to the tournament despite not taking the vaccine.

"Obviously I missed competition, I still feel motivation to be on the tour and compete with the young guys and try to challenge the best players in the world for the biggest titles. Obviously the last four-five months have been really challenging for me mentally and emotionally, but here I am and I try to leave all of that behind and move on," Serbian Djokovic told reporters.

"I don't feel it has left huge scars that I'm unable to train or participate in tournaments or live my life... far from that.

"But it has been a challenging few months and something I never experienced before. So I will try to use that as a fuel for what's coming up."

Djokovic begins his claycourt campaign against Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday (12 April).

Meanwhile, defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas is hoping to replicate his run at the tournament, with fond memories of last year's triumph.

Second seed Alexander Zverev is uncertain about his form, and admits he normally struggles with the conditions in Monte Carlo.

^{PHOTO: PRESS CONFERENCE WITH NOVAK DJOKOVIC. SOUNDBITES FROM STEFANOS TSITSIPAS AND ALEXANDER ZVEREV}