Belgrade Open 2021: Novak Djokovic tames Alex Molcan to win 83rd career title

Novak Djokovic of Serbia is the reigning world number one and has won 83 career titles to date. It was his third title win at his hometown, winning the Belgrade Open 2021. He would now be looking to win his second French Open title, which would be his 19th Grand Slam title.

Reigning world number one, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic tamed unseeded Alex Molcan of Slovakia in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) to win the 2021 Belgrade Open (ATP 250 series) at the Novak Tennis Centre on Sunday. It was Djokovic’s 83rd career title win, besides being his third in the tournament.

The match
As for the match, it was off to an intense start, with the hometown veteran losing his serve on three occasions. Nevertheless, the Serbian held his nerve and composure not to allow the Slovakian to get carried away and broke back on four occasions to take the opening set.

In the second set, it was going smooth on serve when at 3-2, Djokovic upped his ante and fought to get the break. Although Molcan responded heavily with some tough forehands to break back, Djokovic was too strong to give up, as the latter managed to break the former for the sixth time and win the tie in 88 minutes.

Reaction
“It’s been a while since I last played here in front of a crowd. We played here one month ago, without a crowd. To hold a trophy here after ten years is really special and it couldn’t be better ahead of Roland Garros. I am playing well, feeling good and I have spent quality time with my family,” said Djokovic following the win.

“It definitely gives me a great feeling and boost of confidence for flying into Paris. I am thrilled with the way I have been playing this week, very satisfied with the way I have been feeling on the court and striking the ball. I am ready. Paris is definitely one of the highest goals of the season, and hopefully, I will be able to kick start that tournament in the best possible way and work my way deep into the tournament,” he added.

“I feel that from the Rome tournament, I have just been striking the ball better, finding my timing, using the court better, moving actually better. Not being a half a step late as I was in Monte Carlo at the beginning of the clay-court season. I feel like Rome and this tournament have been really important for the confidence and for Roland Garros. I am ready, I’m fit and I’m motivated. I am just very happy with the lead up to Paris,” he concluded.

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