Djokovic Could Face Returning Thiem In Native Belgrade

[ad_1]

Hometown hero Novak Djokovic will compete in Belgrade for the sixth time in his ATP Tour profession subsequent week on the Serbia Open. Within the event’s second yr in Belgrade following a transfer from Budapest, the World No. 1 seeks a fourth tour-level title in his native metropolis.

He’ll face a fellow Serbian in his opening match — probably Laslo Djere — and will face in-form countryman Miomir Kecmanovic within the third spherical. Djokovic defeated seventh seed Kecmanovic within the 2021 Belgrade quarter-finals earlier than falling to Aslan Karatsev in three units.

Dominic Thiem will hope to stop that rematch as he will get set for his first ATP Tour motion since he injured his proper wrist final June. The 28-year-old Austrian opens towards John Millman, and will face Kecmanovic or Richard Gasquet within the second spherical earlier than a possible showdown with Djokovic.

Third seed Karen Khachanov and Serbian eighth seed Filip Krajinovic spherical out the seeded males within the high half.

Andrey Rublev and Karatsev lead the draw’s backside half, the place fifth seed Cristian Garin and #NextGenATP star Holger Rune will sq. off in one of many matchups of the primary spherical. Garin and Rune are in second seed Rublev’s quarter.

Sixth seed Fabio Fognini will start with an all-Italian contest towards Marco Cecchinato, and will face Karatsev within the third spherical.

The 28-player ATP 250 occasion can be held from 18-24 April on the Novak Tennis Middle, named for the World No. 1.