<p>World number one Novak Djokovic admitted that he cannot guarantee he'll start the Monte Carlo Masters as he battles the after effects of an ankle injury.<br /><br /></p>.<p>"I can't guarantee 100 percent that I'll be on court. I have to be realistic and cautious," said the world number one who rolled his right ankle badly a week ago during Serbia's Davis Cup win in the United States.<br /><br />"I've had three days of practice and I've been increasing the level each day.If I have discomfort over the next two days that would be an indication if I should or should not play."<br /><br />Djokovic, who is based in Monte Carlo and feels a responsibility to compete if possible in his "home" event, said that he will make a final decision by Tuesday.<br /><br />He and the other top eight seeds all received byes into the second round. "This is a strong event and there is no room for compromise," added the Australian Open champion.<br /><br />"This is the start of a new season on a new surface. To compete at a high level I must be 100 percent fit. I've been taping the ankle and doing all I can to be ready on the court. I know there is a lot of expectation for me to play - no one wants me to be out there more than I do.<br /><br />"I'm really encouraged by the progress over the last few days, it's much more than I would have expected it to be. I'll do everything in my power to play."<br /><br />Meanwhile, Bernard Tomic's European claycourt season got off to the worst possible start as the Australian went down 6-2, 6-4 to Alexandr Dolgopolov in the first round on Sunday.<br /><br />German Philipp Kohlschreiber, a two-time quarter-finalist, became the first seed into the second round as the number 16 dispatched Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil 6-4, 6-2.<br />Highly-regarded Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria also made it through with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Belgium's Xavier Malisse.<br /><br />As well as Djokovic, all eyes at the tournament will be on third seed Rafael Nadal who is bidding for an unprecedented ninth straight trophy at the event.</p>
<p>World number one Novak Djokovic admitted that he cannot guarantee he'll start the Monte Carlo Masters as he battles the after effects of an ankle injury.<br /><br /></p>.<p>"I can't guarantee 100 percent that I'll be on court. I have to be realistic and cautious," said the world number one who rolled his right ankle badly a week ago during Serbia's Davis Cup win in the United States.<br /><br />"I've had three days of practice and I've been increasing the level each day.If I have discomfort over the next two days that would be an indication if I should or should not play."<br /><br />Djokovic, who is based in Monte Carlo and feels a responsibility to compete if possible in his "home" event, said that he will make a final decision by Tuesday.<br /><br />He and the other top eight seeds all received byes into the second round. "This is a strong event and there is no room for compromise," added the Australian Open champion.<br /><br />"This is the start of a new season on a new surface. To compete at a high level I must be 100 percent fit. I've been taping the ankle and doing all I can to be ready on the court. I know there is a lot of expectation for me to play - no one wants me to be out there more than I do.<br /><br />"I'm really encouraged by the progress over the last few days, it's much more than I would have expected it to be. I'll do everything in my power to play."<br /><br />Meanwhile, Bernard Tomic's European claycourt season got off to the worst possible start as the Australian went down 6-2, 6-4 to Alexandr Dolgopolov in the first round on Sunday.<br /><br />German Philipp Kohlschreiber, a two-time quarter-finalist, became the first seed into the second round as the number 16 dispatched Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil 6-4, 6-2.<br />Highly-regarded Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria also made it through with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Belgium's Xavier Malisse.<br /><br />As well as Djokovic, all eyes at the tournament will be on third seed Rafael Nadal who is bidding for an unprecedented ninth straight trophy at the event.</p>