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DJOKOVIC Monte Carlo

‘Excited but nervous playing at home’ – Novak Djokovic reaches Belgrade 2 final


Novak Djokovic said he “started and finished really well” after defeating Andrej Martin in three sets to reach the final of the Belgrade 2 event.

The Serbian won 6-1, 4-6, 6-0 against the world No. 119 in the semi-finals of the ATP 250 tournament.

The world No. 1 admitted he had “letdowns in concentration” – having led by 4-3 and a break in the second set.

“I’m super excited to play in front of a Serbian crowd. This is my home town. I’m always excited, but also nervous, coming out on the court and playing in front of my home crowd,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview.

“It’s a very unique feeling. You feel a lot of pressure and expectations. But I’m just happy to fight for a trophy tomorrow. I thought I started and finished the match really well, so I’ll try to take those positive feelings into tomorrow’s final.

“I also had some letdowns in concentration towards the end of the second set, and I’ll try to correct those mistakes for tomorrow.”

The 34-year-old will play either qualifier Alex Molcan or eighth seed Federico Delbonis in tomorrow’s final – where he will look to win an 83rd career title.

(Photo credit Ray Giubilo)


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.