Novak Djokovic is now officially set to compete at the Serbia Open in Banja Luka as his name leads the tournament’s entry list. Djokovic, 35, is set to make his third consecutive appearance at the Serbia Open. Due to the ongoing renovations at the Novak Tennis Center in Belgrade, this year’s Serbia Open is set to be held in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Last year, Djokovic ended as runner-up at the Serbia Open after losing to Andrey Rublev in the final. Rublev, ranked at No 7 in the world, has also signed up to return to the Serbia Open and defend his title. The Serbia Open entry list features some other notable names such as three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, former world No 7 Richard Gasquet and 2022 Cincinnati Masters champion Borna Coric.
ATP250 Banja Luka entry list pic.twitter.com/ztFNXB4bk9 — Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) March 20, 2023
Djokovic was beaten by Rublev in the 2022 Serbia Open final
Last year, Djokovic was still trying to find his best game when he arrived in Belgrade.
In the end, Djokovic was able to make the final before losing to Rublev in three sets. After beating Djokovic in the Belgrade final, Rublev took a moment to acknowledge how special the moment was. “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,” Rublev said after the final.
This year’s Serbia Open edition is taking place between April 17-23. On April 9th, the Monte Carlo Masters is starting. Djokovic, who was denied entry into the United States for Indian Wells and Miami, is expected to return to action in Monte Carlo. After Monte Carlo, Djokovic will play at the Serbia Open.
