Andrey Rublev defeated Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-7 (4-7) 6-0 in the Serbia Open to deny the world number one his first title of the season.
Rublev, world number 8 in the presence of a passionate crowd who chanted the name of their compatriot Djokovic, displayed brilliance to win the Serb for the first time in his career in Belgrade.
Djokovic has been on a rough road this season, winning only two matches going into the clay court and denied competing in certain Grand Slam events.
The 34 years old was denied entry into Australia to compete in the Australian Open and was unable to compete in Indian Wells over his refusal to get vaccinated against covid19.
More so, the ATP world number one recently was leapfrogged by Russian Daniil Medvedev in the ranking but regained it after the Russian lost in the third round at Indian Wells to Gael Monfils.
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However, Rublev, displaying his dexterity during the game, saved two break points in the opening of the third set and went further to exert his dominance over Djokovic who was kind of rusty.
The 24 years old Russian in the deciding set of the contest that proceeded with an advantageous 5-0, returned with a forehand stroke to defeat Djokovic who did not attempt the ball.
Sequel to Djokovic’s deportation from Australia, he returned to the game in February in the Dubai Open Championship but was sent packing in the quarter-final by Czech’s Jiri Vesely.
Moreover, having missed the US hard court swing over his stance against the covid19 vaccination, Djokovic’s return to compete in Monte Carlo Masters was marred in the opening match by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
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