Novak Djokovic has just organized a highly successful event in the Balkans with the launch of the Adria Tour. Despite some concerns related to the Coronavirus, a rather sizeable crowd followed the leg in Belgrade with the great presence of top players such as Dominic Thiem, Grigor Dimitrov, and Sascha Zverev.
The Serbian Open
Novak was elated with the huge success to also state that he wants to bring back pro-tennis in Serbia. Djokovic and his family co-owned an ATP event (the Serbian Open) back in the days (2009 – 2012). The competition, an ATP250, was held on clay and it was used as a warm-up event for the Roland Garros. The world no.1 won the tournament on 2 occasions (2009 and 2011), but then the event was canceled for the lack of interest among the local fans following the difficulties of signing important names.
However, things have changed dramatically in the last few years. After Novak achieved sheer greatness all over the world, he has managed to bring back the interest for tennis among his compatriots. Therefore, it is now expected that if he is successful in bringing back an ATP event, this time things should be much better than it used to be in the past.
“Of course I remember what happened during the Serbian Open. I think we deserve such a tournament. We, the players but also the country that loves this sport viscerally. We will do our best to come back,” he commented.
Novak has always professed his deep love for his country. Back in the days when he wasn’t famous (and rich), he refused the opportunity to represent the UK to have a much better lifestyle.
After his last match in Belgrade against Sascha Zverev, Novak was so emotional in the on-court interview to literally break down in tears.
“I am very connected to my country and I try to give back mostly to where I come from. It is important that all of us involved in Serbian tennis collectively try to focus on setting up the right foundations for the development of tennis. Despite not being available all the time, I feel very responsible for that,” he added.
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Novak Djokovic in 2020
Currently ranked no.1, Novak played his last match on the 29th of February when he overcame Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 in the final in Dubai to win his 79th career title.
This year the Serbian has a 18-0 win-loss record. Novak has won 2 titles in 2020 at the Australian Open and in Dubai.
