'It’s a big match,' Corentin Moutet excited for a challenging match against Novak Djokovic at the Italian Open second-round

I’m super excited. It’s a big match that I’m going to approach very seriously. This will be one of the biggest matches I will play in my career. I’m going to try to play my game, hurt him with my forehand. There is often a solution in matches to win them.  said Corentin Moutet during the post-match interview

The last time the two met, Djokovic edged out a victory against Moutet at the 2019 Paris Masters. While the win came in straight sets, the 7-6 (2), 6-4 scoreline displayed the caliber Moutet possessed even then, adding more to the ‘upset’ possibility that he could cause.

Novak Djokovic looks to peak at the French Open as he is well-prepared for his run at the Italian Open

Serbian pro-Novak Djokovic is set to start his Italian Open campaign on Friday, playing against Corentin Moutet as his first matchup. The Serbian has a history of giving his fans quite a scare in the first rounds, and this match might not be any different, given the form of Moutet. 

Nonetheless, Djokovic revealed that he has dedicated a good amount of time to his practice, ensuring he is well-prepared ahead of the Italian Open. He had skipped the Madrid Open to arrive early in Rome and prepare for the tournament. Furthermore, the Serbian is confident of peaking at the French Open and hopes to do better in Rome, unlike his Monte Carlo outing.

I'm on a good route to peak at Roland Garros in Paris. Hopefully, here in Rome, I can play better than I did in Monte Carlo. The wish, obviously, is always to go far, but let's see.  said Novak Djokovic via Rome Open press

Also, Nole has got a new addition to his coaching staff, after parting ways with his fitness coach, Marco Panichi. The World No.1 reunited with Gebhard Gritsch, his longtime coach. They clicked immediately, as the Serbian looked for a change in fortunes in his form.