Andrey Rublev won his third ATP career title of the season on Sunday by beating Novak Djokovic at the Serbia Open final.
In his first appearance at the Serbia Open, Andrey Rublev showed the world his class on clay. The Russian defeated home favourite Novak Djokovic in an intense battle on Sunday to clinch the ATP Belgrade Cup.
It was a hard-fought clash in the first two sets but Rublev eventually went on to win the match 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-0 against the Serbian. It was also a special win for Rublev as it was the first time that he managed to beat Djokovic in his career.
Rublev has now won 23 matches this season while Djokovic is still looking for his first title this year. The 20-time Grand Slam winner has had a rather underwhelming 2022 ever since he was not allowed to partake in the Australian Open in Janaury.
Djokovic was competing in his third event of the year. The 34-year-old, who lost in the quarter-finals in Dubai and suffered a shock second-round defeat against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Monte Carlo, battled past Laslo Djere, Miomir Kecmanovic and Karen Khachanov to make it to the finals.
Andrey Rublev speaks after beating Novak Djokovic at Serbia Open Final
After winning his maiden Serbia Open title, Rublev hoped to face Djokovic again in the near future. The 24-year-old also thanked the crowd for their support despite the majority being fans of local boy Djokovic.
Rublev said, “It is big to play against you and share the court for the second time. I hope we have more battles. I feel so great here, it is a very nice city. It feels really special. I want to say a big thanks to all the spectators for supporting all the players all week. To see full crowds again is special for all of us.”
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