Novak Djokovic clinches his 83rd ranking title with victory in Belgrade as he completes his preparations and sets sights on winning the French Open for the first time in five years
- Novak Djokovic secured the Belgrade Open with victory over Alex Molcan
- The Serbian now sets his sights on next week’s French Open at Roland Garros
- Djokovic has only won the French Open competition once five years ago
Novak Djokovic completed preparations for next week’s French Open at Roland Garros by winning his 83rd ranking title at the Belgrade Open.
But the world number one was given a test by qualifier Alex Molcan, who broke the favourite three times in the opening set whilst struggling to hold his own serve.
Djokovic changed his game to secure a relatively straightforward 6-4 6-3 victory in 88 minutes and send him to the French capital in good heart.
Novak Djokovic secured his 83rd ranking title with victory in the final of the Belgrade Open
Djokovic said in a post-match interview: ‘It’s been a while since I last played here in front of a crowd.
‘To hold a trophy here after 10 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.’
Djokovic, who won his only French Open title to date in 2016, is scheduled to start in the first round against American Tennys Sandgren.
Sebastian Korda beat home favourite Marco Cecchinato to claim his first career tour title at the Emilia-Romagna Open in Parma.
Korda’s 6-2 6-4 win also made him the first American to win a title on European clay since Sam Querrey triumphed in Belgrade in 2010.
The 20-year-old capped an impressive week with an imposing performance in which he faced just a single break point, breaking at the crucial stage in the second set to seal his triumph.
The victory puts Djokovic in a good position heading towards next week’s French Open
Qualified Alex Molcan put in a valiant effort against Djokovic but could not hold him off