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5/10/09 9:46 PM | Ricky Dimon
Novak Djokovic defeats Lukasz Kubot in straight sets on Sunday afternoon to win the first-ever title at the Serbia Open.
Not everything about the Serbia open went quite as expected, but it ended just as everyone thought it would: with favorite Novak Djokovic on top.
Djokovic beat lucky loser and shock finalist Lukasz Kubot 6-3, 7-6(0) in one hour and 49 minutes on Sunday afternoon to win the inaugural Belgrade title.
It did not turn out to be as easy for Djokovic as it looked like it would be early in the match. The world No. 3 broke immediately for a quick 2-0 lead and started cruising through the first set, even breaking again for a commanding 5-1 advantage. Kubot kept his unforced errors to a minimum, but still offered little resistance to an in-form opponent. Djokovic played a loose service game while serving for the set at 5-1, but the insurance break came in handy as he capitalized on his next opportunity to close things out at 5-3.
Despite heading into the final as a massive underdog, Kubot was not about to let his dream week come to an end without a fight. The world No. 179 surged to a 3-0 lead in the second set, breaking Djokovic for 2-0. Kubot gave the break back for 3-2, but stayed in it mentally and got the best of his opponent's serve once again en route to a surprising 5-2 advantage. That, however, is when big-match experience became the decisive factor. A previously rock-solid Kubot started showing signs of both mental and physical fatigue while serving to a force a third set at 5-3. Djokovic broke to stay in the second frame of play and eventually forced a tiebreaker. Finally, at the end of a long and successful week, Kubot had nothing left. Djokovic won the 'breaker without losing a point, giving the Serbian fans what they all had come to see.
"Although this is not one of the biggest tournaments I had won, it means the most to me," Djokovic told the crowd.
Kubot, meanwhile, needed a lucky-loser entrance just to get into the tournament. The 26-year-old Pole lost in the final round of qualifying on Monday, but got a spot in the main draw when Steve Darcis withdrew due to a shoulder problem. The rest, of course, is history.
"I have one of my best memories here in Serbia, and hope to be back next year," said Kubot, whose dream week actually ended in triumph. He came right back out after his loss to Djokovic and won the doubles title with partner Olivier Marach.
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Not sure who else was expected to win....
But Congrats to Nole, he has been growing on me slowly this year, finally I am able to find someone to cheer on when Rafa is absent!!
Nam1 , 5/10/09 10:20 PM
Congrats Nole on winning the title! He has been growing on me too this year Nam1 and I'm glad he won the inaugural title for his tournament.
fan4tennis , 5/10/09 11:56 PM
Nam1 & fan4tennis: funny you 2 say that because he's been growing on me this year too, lol.
Anyways, good to see Nole live up to the expectations and grab the trophy. He's definitely had a great run on clay so far and it's nice to see him rewarded.
And what a week for Kubot!
gretchen , 5/11/09 12:41 AM
I see he's entered the doubles in Madrid, hope he doesn't overdo it before RG
SGHIceman , 5/11/09 1:37 AM
oh!.. i am very happy for Novak,being that that tourney was his inaugural and all i am happy that he had the honor of being the first winner.
It was only fitting that he should win......good job!
alik , 5/11/09 1:54 AM
Whaaat? He's entered the doubles in Madrid? Is he crazy? Must be another favor he's doing for Troicki/Tipsy.
stu , 5/11/09 3:38 AM
he is really pushing it. hope he does it in consensus with Vajda and his new fitness coach.
posmatrac , 5/11/09 4:06 AM
I hope the monkey is off his back. Novak won SO and this tournament took its toll on him emotionally, more than physically. It was expected from him to win and he could not afford not to since all eyes were on him! I commend him for this accomplishment and this could very well be the hardest tournament for him to win emotionally and with everything that was going on. On the other hand, I am sure after today, he turned the page and said to himself: Now on to my regular job and that is Madrid tomorrow and RG starting on the 24th! I am also stunned he is playing doubles in addition to singles in Madrid???? Too much tennis!!!!! I hope he has the stamina to make it through? I wonder if this is part of his new fitness program/strategy put in place by his new fitness coach, for him to paly as many matches as possible so he can gain on his physical fitness this way? In any event, all the best to him for the remainder of the season!!!!!
arailic , 5/11/09 5:06 AM
I think (hope) he entered the doubles mainly to get more time on court before his second round singles match, and get used to conditions as much as possible.
HogarTheHorrible , 5/11/09 6:23 AM
Novak won first Serbia Open and I'm so proud, it was advantage been there, and see our national icon full of emotions, Serbia has shown how much adore Novak and he recognized that, as a matter of fact, everyone's so satisfied, starting from players, ATP members, referees, Serbia Open Management, States Authorities, thousands of fans, everything went so smoothly, at the ceremony, I started crying like many others, it was great feeling being Serb these days, THANKS TO OUR NOVAK, HE'S THE MAN...
gordana , 5/11/09 9:28 AM
Almost forgot, special regards for STU, by the way, she/he was afraid or had a terrible feeling Novak won't make it, so dear, NOVAK IS SERBIA OPEN CHAMPION, cheers...
gordana , 5/11/09 9:47 AM
Well Done Nole!
carrie , 5/11/09 10:26 AM
One and only: what a week, God bless you!
noleisthebest , 5/11/09 12:58 PM
Well done Nole, great job! Am so happy him win the SO and that the tournament went so well. He's a strong contender so yeah, hardly anyone else had a chance I would say. He deserves it, finally winning a clay title before the FO.
"Although this is not one of the biggest tournaments I had won, it means the most to me," Djokovic told the crowd.
Clearly it does and I'm sure it means a lot to the Serbian fans too. Congrats to Nole and his fans!
remi , 5/11/09 4:07 PM
Gordana, you need not take every comment negatively. When I said I had a terrible feeling he would lose, I meant that it would be terrible if that happened. I just thought the pressure would get to him thats all, he's only a kid. I'm very glad that he made it because I am a HUGE fan. I don't know what your problem is.
stu , 5/12/09 5:29 AM
stu - don't concern yourself with it
And the title was never in doubt.
RickyDimon , 5/12/09 5:44 AM
stu, your concerns were totally valid, expectations for him to deliver were enormous. i wish he didn't have to play this tournament.
posmatrac , 5/12/09 7:04 AM
stu, I don't take every comment negatively, just my react on your comment, nothing else, don't you think I had no wonder what's going to be, he was under the pressure whole tournament, cause everybody expected and wanted him to get the trophy, but I was positive, saying he's gonna get it, and yes, you're right, he's just an smart kid who brings sunshine in our hearts, regards for you.
P.s. Ricky Dimon, stu doesn't need 'professional' assistance, so don't interfere in our discusion.
gordana , 5/12/09 9:04 AM
congrats to novak and his fans..always a special feeling to win infront of ur home crowd...
vamosrafa , 5/12/09 9:17 AM
agree vamosrafa, winning in front of one's home crowd is such a great honour and not easy to do. am so happy for novak.
remi , 5/12/09 9:40 AM
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am very happy he won. he definitely deserves some trophy for his clay court season. he's been playing really well
Sib69 , 5/10/09 10:05 PM