Novak Djokovic is back in Belgrade after spending a vacation in the Maldives. While we still know nothing about Novak’s plans for the ATP Finals, he at least watched tennis at the ATP 250 event in his hometown, supporting his favorite youngster from the stands. Djokovic cheered for Hamad Medjedovic against Brandon Nakashima, helping his young compatriot in the previous years and witnessing his rise through the ranking list. Hamad ousted the top-40 rival 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in just under two hours, delivering a late break in the second set and sealing the deal with a single return game on his tally in the decider.
Novak’s big decision
Djokovic is sixth in the ATP Race to Turin, with Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, and Alex de Minaur hoping to pass him with points earned in Metz and Belgrade. Reaching the ATP Finals or not, we will unlikely see the Serb at the prestigious event in a couple of days, having won it seven times and losing interest. Novak claimed the Olympic Games gold medal in August, adding the final piece to his GOAT puzzle and completing the game of tennis. The 24-time Major winner slowed down his engines after Paris, playing only two official tournaments and one Davis Cup match and probably ending his season.
Hamad Medjedovic wins in front of his idol
The biggest Serbian talent made a winning start at the home ATP 250 event. Hamad toppled Brandon Nakashima after a turnaround for his seventh ATP victory of the season. He felt positive vibes while competing in front of his family and Novak himself, hoping for more good matches in his last tournament of the season. Medjedovic fired 16 aces and played well behind the first and second serve, defending two of three break points and keeping the pressure on the other side. The Serb grabbed a late break in the second set and sealed the deal with another in decider. The American served well in the first set, providing five good holds and earning an early break in the second game of the duel.
Hamad raised his level after that and served well. The servers passed the opening nine games of the second set without issues before Brandon faced problems at 4-5. He saved a set point with a forced error before losing serve at love at 5-6 after Hamad’s forehand winner, with the home player forcing a decider. Medjedovic denied two break points in the third game and kept the pressure on his opponent. He broke Nakashima in the sixth game after the rival’s backhand error and created a match point at 5-2. The better-ranked player saved it with a service winner and held, prolonging the battle before the young gun sealed the deal with an ace at 5-3, celebrating a win and moving into the second round.
#Đoković sa Maldiva pravo u Arenu, bodrio Međedovića 🙌
Belgrade Open 🎾@DjokerNole @MedjedovicHamad #BelgradeOpen #NoleFam📸: @TenisUzivo IG pic.twitter.com/zJIVOMxSlc
— Milica Milutinovic (@MilicaM84932667) November 3, 2024