Novak Djokovic made a memorable appearance at the Belgrade Open final, where he played a special role in the award ceremony after the championship clash between Denis Shapovalov and Hamad Medjedovic. The Canadian star Shapovalov, a former world No. 10, emerged victorious over the young Serbian Medjedovic with a straight-sets win, 6-4, 6-4. This victory marked Shapovalov’s second professional title, breaking a five-year title drought since his triumph in Stockholm in 2019.
Although Djokovic wasn’t competing this time around, the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s presence was unmistakable. Seated among the spectators at the ATP 250 event in his homeland, Djokovic garnered as much attention as the finalists themselves. The Serbian icon, who recently announced an early end to his 2024 season due to an unspecified injury, chose to skip the Paris Masters and the prestigious ATP Finals in Turin. As such, the Belgrade Open provided an opportunity for him to reconnect with his roots and the local tennis scene alongside his family.
Djokovic’s connection to the Belgrade Open runs deep, with past victories in 2009, 2011, and 2021, and a runner-up finish in 2022, where he was defeated by Andrey Rublev in a thrilling three-set battle. Watching the current final from the sidelines must have brought back a flood of memories for Djokovic, who is regarded as a hero in Serbian tennis.
The final itself saw two players at different points in their careers vying for the trophy. Denis Shapovalov, 25, entered the tournament as a qualifier, but his road to the title was anything but easy. Demonstrating determination and skill, the Canadian racked up seven consecutive wins, taking down higher-seeded players such as fifth-seed Nuno Borges and fourth-seed Jiri Lehecka along the way. This victory signals a potential resurgence for Shapovalov, who has battled injuries and fluctuations in form over the past couple of years.
Medjedovic, 21, brought hope and excitement to the Serbian crowd throughout his campaign. The promising young talent received a wildcard from the organizers and made the most of it, securing impressive wins over sixth-seed Brandon Nakashima and third-seed Francisco Cerundolo. Although he ultimately fell to Shapovalov, Medjedovic’s strong showing in the tournament showcased his potential to become a rising force on the ATP Tour. This final was Medjedovic’s second appearance at this level, having previously claimed the title at the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals.
Shapovalov’s victory was characterized by powerful serves, precise shot-making, and the confidence to seize crucial points. He captured the first set 6-4 and maintained his focus to close out the second set by the same scoreline. The win not only secured his second ATP 250 title but also propelled him back into the top 60 of the ATP rankings, a significant milestone as he seeks to rebuild his career and climb further in 2025.
Following the conclusion of the match, Djokovic took center stage once more, this time as the presenter of the trophy. In a heartwarming moment, he congratulated Shapovalov with a warm hug, acknowledging the Canadian’s perseverance and achievement. Djokovic’s gracious demeanor and sportsmanship once again highlighted why he is held in such high regard, not only as one of the greatest players in tennis history but also as a respected ambassador for the sport.
The connection between Djokovic and Shapovalov goes beyond this ceremonial gesture. Over the years, the two have faced off on eight occasions, with Djokovic maintaining a dominant 8-0 record in their head-to-head encounters. Their battles have included high-stakes matches such as the 2019 Paris Masters final and the 2021 Wimbledon semifinals, where Djokovic showcased his championship mettle. Despite their on-court rivalry, Djokovic’s presence at the Belgrade Open demonstrated his respect and support for his peers.
In addition to celebrating the players’ achievements, Djokovic’s appearance at the tournament underscored his deep ties to Serbia and his enduring commitment to fostering tennis’s growth and popularity in his home country. His decision to attend despite his injury-related withdrawal from recent events reflects his dedication to the sport, his fans, and his fellow players.
For Denis Shapovalov, this victory is more than just another title; it represents a turning point and a renewed sense of purpose. Having endured a challenging stretch in his career due to injuries and inconsistent results, the Canadian’s triumph in Belgrade serves as a testament to his resilience and talent. His journey back to the higher ranks of the ATP Tour is far from over, but this win provides a strong foundation and a boost of confidence heading into the 2025 season.
As the curtain closed on the Belgrade Open, tennis fans were left with the inspiring storylines of a veteran champion lending his support and a young star reclaiming his place among the sport’s elite. Djokovic and Shapovalov’s shared moment on the podium was a reminder of the camaraderie and mutual respect that elevate tennis beyond mere competition, making it a truly global and unifying sport.