Djokovic returns after 'challenging' time as ATP clamps down on Kyrgios and Zverev tirades

Novak Djokovic is back in action in just his second tournament of the year this week at the Monte Carlo Masters. Ahead of his return, he opened up on the "really challenging" months he'd had away from competition.

Last week saw Belinda Bencic, Reilly Opelka and David Goffin pick up titles in Charleston, Houston and Marrakech while there was plenty going on off the court. The ATP was forced to send out a circular to players after "an unusual frequency of high-profile incidents involving unsportsmanlike conduct" in the first three months of the season, including outbursts from Alexander Zverev in Acapulco and Nick Kyrgios during the 'Sunshine Double'.

Russian players including ATP world No 2 Daniil Medvedev are still facing the threat of a ban from Wimbledon after it emerged the All England Club could step in themselves to bar players from the nation amid the war in Ukraine. And after speculation over Serena Williams' tennis future when her long-time coach Patrick Mouratoglou confirmed he would now be working with Simona Halep, the 23-time Major champion hinted she would be back for Wimbledon.

Express Sport takes a look at some of the biggest stories from on and off the tennis court over the last week.

Novak Djokovic is back in action this week at the Monte Carlo Masters. He has only played the ATP 500 in Dubai so far this year where he lost to qualifier Jiri Vesely in the quarter-finals, with his unvaccinated status preventing him from playing the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami. The world No 1 opens his campaign against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and could face a mouthwatering clash against Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals.

Ahead of the tournament, the 20-time Major champion admitted it had been difficult