Novak Djokovic set to make tennis history in his first match at the Monte Carlo Masters

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Novak Djokovic will continue his search for a 100th ATP Tour title at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he starts in the second round.

Djokovic is the third seed at the Monte Carlo Masters, and has received a bye into the round of 32 of the ATP Masters 1000 event.

World number five Djokovic just reached the final of the Miami Open, where he lost to Jakub Mensik 7-6(7-4), 7-6(7-4).

Djokovic was praised by Martina Navratilova for his post-match praise of the Czech youngster, who rose 30 places to 24th in the world after his win.

Mensik’s ability was highlighted by Djokovic early on in Miami, with the former then going on to beat the latter to lift the trophy.

Novak Djokovic to surpass Rafael Nadal with 18th Monte Carlo Masters appearance

The Serbian veteran will now look to bounce back at the Monte Carlo Masters, an event he has won on two occasions.

He clinched the title in 2013 and 2015, as well as losing two finals to fellow legend Rafael Nadal in 2009 and 2012.

READ MORE: Jakub Mensik makes tennis history after beating Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open final

But he is now set to surpass the Spaniard in another regard, with Djokovic set to make his 18th main draw at the Monte Carlo Masters.

As per OptaAce, it will be more than any other player, surpassing the 17 of both Nadal and Fabrice Santoro.

The stunning Rafael Nadal record at the Monte Carlo Masters

Also on the list is Djokovic’s fellow icon Stan Wawrinka, who intriguingly will play the Serbian if he wins his opener against Alejandro Tabilo.

An elusive 100th ATP title is once again on the cards for the 37-year-old, given both his history at the event and the fact that Nadal is no longer playing.

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic and Jakub Mensik set to make tennis history in Miami Open final

But it is very much the Spanish star’s tournament despite his retirement, with Nadal’s 11 titles more than any other player.

Remarkably, the icon won eight consecutive Monte Carlo Masters titles between 2005 and 2012, an Open Era record.