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Djokovic sweating on Monte Carlo fitness

Novak Djokovic injured his ankle during his Davis Cup victory over Sam Querrey © AP

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Novak Djokovic has admitted he still does not know whether he will compete in the Monte Carlo Masters, as he continues to recover from an ankle injury suffered while on Davis Cup duty for Serbia.

World No. 1 Djokovic rolled his right ankle during the opening set of his victory over Sam Querrey and, despite the damage not being as serious as first feared, the 25-year-old stated he will make a decision on Tuesday if he is to play in Monaco.

"I can't 100% guarantee that I'll be on the court on Wednesday," Djokovic said. "I still have to be realistic and see if on some practices in the next few days I push myself to the limit, if I'm going to have any discomfort.

"I'll decide on Tuesday, at least to give time to another player just in case I don't play."

With the French Open coming up in May, six-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic confirmed that he would not risk participating in Monaco if he does not fully recover.

"Let's be honest, it's a very strong tournament and I think there's no room for any compromise," Djokovic said. "It's a new surface, a new start of the season and, in order to compete on such a high level, I need to be 100 per cent, no question about it.

"Strengthening my ankle is still in the process. Things are looking good, better than I expected it to be.

"I'm more than sure that there's not any danger for what's coming up next - Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros."

Djokovic, who is only missing a French Open title from his career Grand Slam haul, also indicated that his decision to live in Monaco will give him extra impetus to recover.

"I'm always feeling very inspired and motivated to perform my best in this tournament because I live in Monaco," Djokovic added. "I spend the majority of my time, when I'm not in tournaments, here in this club, practising on these courts.

"There's extra motivation and inspiration for me to try to be fit and ready to perform."

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