WATCH: Novak Djokovic’s daughter’s adorable reaction to Serb’s first round victory in Monte Carlo Masters

At the 2023 Monte Carlo Masters, Novak Djokovic earned his first win on clay this year. The World No. 1 defeated Russia’s Ivan Gakhov in a qualifying match in one hour and 48 minutes, winning in straight sets [7-6 (5), 6-2] after a challenging first round. This was the Serbian’s first match since reaching the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships more than a month ago. Djokovic missed the Sunshine Double because of his immunization status, which kept him out of play for the whole month of March.

The Monaco-based, two-time Monte-Carlo Masters champion got the necessary love and support from his family to celebrate his comeback to tennis. The entire game, his wife, son Stefan, and daughter Tara could be seen supporting him from the player’s box. Tara, his five-year-old daughter, was extremely thrilled to watch him perform, and her enthusiastic comments entertained the audience greatly. Tara delightfully imitated the 22-time Grand Slam champion as he celebrated his triumph as he crossed the final line.

Watch it here:

https://twitter.com/tennisispain/status/1645821366594158594

I thanked him for wearing my shoes: Novak Djokovic

Ivan Gakhov, who is ranked No. 198 in the world, made it past the qualifying rounds and his first-round match against Mackenzie McDonald to earn his first-ever match against Novak Djokovic, which he described as “the finest prize.” Gakhov, who has acknowledged getting assistance with his uniforms from fellow countrymen Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev owing to a lack of sponsorship, was seen sporting Novak Djokovic’s trademark Asics boots during the match.

“I thanked him for wearing my shoes. I actually saw this, I saw the shoes. I saw the logo. I asked him whether the shoes served him well, you know. He’s like, ‘Maybe not today but generally yes,” Djokovic said after winning the match.

The 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters Round of 16 will now feature the 35-year-old. The Serb, who won the competition twice, in 2013 and 2015, is attempting a third repetition of the feat. He awaits the outcome of the contest between the talented young Italians Lorenzo Musetti and Luca Nardi as he vies for the crown.