World amount one particular Novak Djokovic is hoping for just one very last matchup with the 14-time French Open up winner at Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters has forged question more than the 22-periods Grand Slam champion’s participation at the French Open up, but Novak Djokovic stated he was however hoping for a remaining chapter in their storied rivalry.

The 37-12 months-aged Spaniard, who has claimed he anticipated to retire soon after the 2024 season, returned to competitiveness in Brisbane in January, after pretty much a yr sidelined with a hip flexor damage, but has not performed an ATP celebration due to the fact.

“As a tennis fan I want him to enjoy at minimum just one more tournament right before he retires,” globe quantity a person Djokovic informed Eurosport in an interview released on Saturday.

“We all know what he’s completed on clay in his career, particularly Roland Garros.

“That’s his purpose, we all know that, he’s been stating it. For the sake of all tennis and Roland Garros in individual, we hope that he can perform there. It would be wonderful to have an additional wonderful encounter.”

Djokovic will commence his quest for a third title in Monte Carlo on Tuesday with out coach Goran Ivanisevic in his box, soon after ending his hugely thriving partnership with the Croatian last thirty day period.

The Serbian has been doing the job with previous doubles environment range just one Nenad Zimonjic in new months.

“We have recognized each individual other really properly for extra than 20 many years. He’s been normally like an older brother to me. A mentor, a buddy, who constantly tried out to enable me as a man or woman and as a player,” Djokovic explained.

“When I stopped with Goran, I was starting my clay-courtroom preparation in Belgrade and he was there. He came to the court, and we truly savored our collaboration, and I questioned him to arrive here for a couple weeks.

“We are attempting to make the most of it. He’s been supplying me definitely beneficial information to come across the appropriate posture when I’m approaching the internet, and it is anything I’m not greatest at mainly because I really do not enjoy as many doubles matches.”