Djokovic will use his difficult experience as a trigger for this season

World number one Novak Djokovic plans to use the challenging experience he had this year due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19 as fuel for the rest of the season.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was unable to defend his Australian Open title in January after being deported from the country, having initially been accepted into the tournament despite not being vaccinated.

"I try to be optimistic in life and consider myself a very optimistic and positive person," Djokovic said, before taking action in Monte Carlo on Sunday, quoted by Reuters.

"I take lessons from every experience, especially in something big like what happened in January."

"Once I started playing the match I obviously had to deal with everything that might have been lying dormant inside and maybe waiting to come out."

"I don't feel like it leaves a big scar because I can't train or participate in tournaments or live my life... away from it."

"But it's been a challenging few months and something I've never experienced before. So I'll try to use that as fuel for what's to come."

Djokovic, who has played just three matches this year - all in Dubai - admits he misses competing.

"The last four, five months have been really challenging for me mentally and emotionally, but here I am. I'm trying to leave all that behind and move on," said Djokovic.

"My Roland Garros win last year is still fresh in my memory, so I'm trying to use it as inspiration to start the claycourt season in the best possible way."

"I intend to play the full claycourt season according to my schedule in previous years. I understand I may not be at my best especially at the start of this week, so, so to speak, I am testing my engine, and building the game. I."

Djokovic starts his clay court match against Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Monte Carlo Masters which kicks off Monday.