Novak Djokovic - Small question marks despite third home win
Novak Djokovic is the name of the winner of the Belgrade Open 2021. After 2009 and 2011, the 34-year-old Serb was able to win an ATP Tour title in his hometown for the third time. The success this year was, however, a particularly emotional one, but it also raises one or the other question regarding Djokovic's performance.
by Florian Heer
last edit: May 30, 2021, 07:40 am
From Florian Heer from Belgrade
It was arranged for the Saturday final at the Novak Tennis Center, Djokovic's own tennis academy, idyllically located on the outskirts with a view of the Sava and including the restaurants floating on the river, one of Belgrade's landmarks. In addition, bright sunshine with temperatures above 25 degrees. Around 1,500 spectators were admitted to the center court to watch the final of their local hero against the Slovak qualifier Alex Molcan.
According to plan and with loud support, the world number one prevailed 6: 4, 6: 3 after almost one and a half hours of play. Djokovic was rarely able to shine against number 255 in the ATP world rankings.
Hurdles to the title
In general, it was a rocky road to winning the title. After a bye in the first round, Djokovic defeated the German Lucky Loser Mats Moraing and was not always easy in the second set.
"It was the first time that I played against him and he surprised me with his fire power," admitted Djokovic after the second round game. This was followed by Djokovic's best performance this week against the Argentine Federico Coria. With 6: 1, 6: 0 he finished off the younger brother of the former top ten player Guillermo Coria. As a consolation, there was a selfie with the best tennis player in the world on the pitch for the losers.
Djokovic to Paris with a good feeling
In the semifinals, more fighting than shine. In a match characterized by many ups and downs, he defeated qualifier Andrej Martin 6: 1, 4: 6, 6: 0. In the final, Djokovic had to give up his serve four times. Many of the announced winners missed their target. But in the case of the Serbs, positive feelings predominated.
"It has been a while since I last played here in front of an audience," said Djokovic following his 83rd career title. “We played here at the Serbia Open a month ago without an audience. Holding a trophy in your hands after twenty years is something very special and couldn't be better than Roland Garros. I play well, feel good and have spent a lot of time with my family. "
#VIDEO#
It was the first time that Djokovic was on the pitch again in the week before a Grand Slam. Nonetheless, Djokovic feels well prepared for the clay court major. The Serb will also top the seeding list at the Bois-de-Boulogne.
“Winning the title gives me confidence and a good feeling for Paris. I am ready and hope to be able to transfer this momentum to Roland-Garros. "
More tournaments in Belgrade in sight
After an ATP Challenger Tour event, a WTA tournament and two ATP events that took place in Belgrade during this pandemic-ridden season, we are already working on a reunion with the fans in Djokovic's hometown.
"We see this as a long-term project," revealed Djokovic. “It is important for a tennis nation to be able to host as many tournaments as possible in their country. I was born and raised here and I also feel responsible in a way to give back more than just won tennis matches. "
Here the single tableau in Belgrade