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Novak Djokovic of Serbia shakes hands with Roger Federer of Switzerland at the net following victory in his Men’s Singles final during Day thirteen of The Championships – Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia shakes hands with Roger Federer of Switzerland at the net following victory in his Men’s Singles final during Day thirteen of The Championships – Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Roger Federer has added enduring glamour to each of the tournaments he has played. Therefore, it is no surprise that Djordje Djokovic, the new tournament director of the Serbia Open, hopes to see the Swiss maestro in Belgrade.
Recently, former Serbian tennis player and brother of World No.1 Novak Djokovic, Djordje expressed his admiration for Federer. However, he regretfully mentioned that they could not invite him this year.
Read More: Chris Evert Chimes In on the GOAT Debate Between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
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Djordje Djokovic wants to host Roger Federer at least once
The Serbia Open was last hosted back in 2012 and is now making its return on the ATP Tour. Hence, most of the money went into the marketing of the tournament, Djordje explained. And for that matter, they could not invite the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer.
“We had to distribute money the other way, to spread it, but we hope to see Federer in Belgrade in the coming years. It is my sincere hope that we will be able to host him at least once before he ends his career. We will invite him next year, I can promise that,” the Serbian said.
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BELGRADE, SERBIA – JUNE 14: (L-R)The Djokovic family, Novak’s mother Dijana, Novak Djokovic, Novak’s brother Djordje, Novak’s father Srdjan and Novak’s wife Jelena pose during the Adria Tour Final match between Dominic Thiem of Austria and Filip Krajinovic of Serbia charity exhibition hosted by Novak Djokovic on June 14, 2020, in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
Federer’s participation in Belgrade seems possible as he also confirmed his participation for Basel 2022. Nonetheless, it would be interesting to see whether he accepts the proposal or not.
Interestingly, the Serbia Open was able to rope in Austrian World No. 4 Dominic Thiem to play this year. His father, Wolfgang Thiem, revealed that he left out his Barcelona Open title defense at Novak Djokovic‘s request.
The Belgrade field includes Djokovic, Thiem, Matteo Berrettini, and Gael Monfils among the Top 20. The tournament will run from April 19 – April 25, 2021.
Which tournament will Djokovic and Federer play next?
Before playing in Belgrade, Novak will compete for the Monte-Carlo Masters title from April 11. Except for Federer and Thiem, all the Top 10 players will play in Monaco.
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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 14: Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia embrace at the net after their singles match during Day Five of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on November 14, 2019, in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
However, Federer will return at the Mutua Madrid Open 2021, scheduled at the end of April. Also, Madrid is where the big three will collide after the Australian Open 2020.
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Federer fans hope to see him play in as many tournaments as possible, and so does he. But he has strategically aligned his target to be Wimbledon and Tokyo Olympics this year.
Let us see how many more glorious memories the Swiss maestro leaves behind before he hangs his racket. Do you think he will win his 21st Grand Slam before retirement?
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For regular updates on Serbia Open, you can visit the tournament’s official Instagram and Twitter handles.
