After ‘Huge’ Achievement, Novak Djokovic Backed Serbian Prodigy Swells With Pride as He Follows in His Idol’s Legendary ‘Footsteps’

The 20-year-old tennis player from Belgrade, Hamad Medjedovic clinched his first Next Gen ATP Finals Title by defeating Arthur Fils on Saturday. With this victory, the Serbian has become the lowest-ranked champion in the history of the 6-year-old tournament. He is currently ranked at 110 in men’s singles and here’s what he shares about the contribution of current world number 1, Novak Djokovic on his emphatic victory.

Medjedovic is delighted as he follows in Novak Djokovic’s footsteps after winning the Next Gen Finals in Saudi Arabia. Djokovic has given tremendous backing to the youngster, especially over the last week. Let’s find out more about this story.

Medjedovic is happy to follow in the footsteps of Novak Djokovic

He recently defeated Arthur Fils of France in a five-set thrilling encounter which lasted for almost 2 hours and 11 mins. Medjedovic showcased his resilience by squandering two match points before sealing the deal with a margin of 3-4(6), 4-1, 4-2, 3-4(9), 4-1. It was the first five-set finals in the history of the tournament and Medjedovic became the first Serb to win the tournament. 

With this win, the two Serbians had managed to make a clean sweep at the ATP year-end-title. Djokovic did it in Turin and now Medjedovic achieved the historic moment in Jeddah. Here’s what the youngster says on that, “Two of us from Serbia. He won the big Masters, the real one, and I won the Next Gen.” He further added, “Obviously it’s a huge thing and I’m happy to follow in his footsteps in some way.”

READ MORE: ‘Dream Come True’ – ATP’s Saudi Arabia Move Emerges as a Success as Local Fans Deliver Positive Verdict

Hamad Medjedovic had a decent season this year after featuring in the semis of the Swiss Open and Astana Open. Then getting a victory at Saudi Arabia must have been an astonishing moment for the young lad. But there’s something more for Medjedovic after his hard-fought victory.

Djokovic congratulates the 19-year-old compatriot on his remarkable achievement

This is the first that the tournament is being held in Saudi Arabia. Previously the tournament was held in Milan, Italy since its inception in 2017. The tournament saw quite a few changes this year. It includes shorter sets, shorter changes over, and less time in the shot clock for some points. Despite changes in the usual tennis rules, the 19-year-old didn’t look troubled at throughout the tournament.

Novak Djokovic congratulated Medjedovic on his triumph at the Next Gen ATP Finals through a short message on social media. The 24 Grand Slam titles holder wrote ‘Let’s go’ in Serbian with an image of the 19YO champ in the background. Medjedovic had earlier revealed moments of his first meeting with Djokovic when he was training at his academy in Belgrade. Djokovic has been providing him with financial assistance throughout his rise to the bigger stage.

Medjedovic believes meeting the Serbian legend was one of the ‘biggest moments of his life’. Can prove his mettle at the Grand Slam events next year? Share your thoughts in the comment box. 

Watch This Story: Exploring Dominic Thiem the Person Like Never Before