Swapping the slippery blue clay of Madrid for the robust Roman dust, Novak Djokovic says he is "right where I want to be" as he chases French Open glory later this month.

Vowing not to return to Madrid next year unless the heavily-criticized surface is improved, Djokovic said he was relieved to be back on surer footing.

"After that blue clay, this clay seems like paradise," the world No 1 told a press conference at the Rome Masters, where this week he will try to defend his title.