Canada's Denis Shapovalov won the Belgrade Open on Saturday by defeating Serbian Hamad Medjedovic 6-4, 6-4, to claim the second Tour-level title of his career.
The world number 78 was presented the trophy by 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who hails from Belgrade.
Qualifier ▶️ Champion ✅
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 9, 2024
7 wins in a row ✅
Receiving the winner's trophy from @DjokerNole ✅
Not too bad, Denis 😅#BelgradeOpen | @denis_shapo pic.twitter.com/R0sTCAIgse
"It was extremely tough. Hamad has been playing extremely well and is a good young talent coming up," Shapovalov said.
"It has been a good season for me, just been healthy and back on court. It takes time to climb back up the rankings. A week like this will help a lot."
The winning moment for Shapo 🤩
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 9, 2024
5 years after his first ATP crown, he adds another one! 🫡#BelgradeOpen | @denis_shapo pic.twitter.com/jEQrGtjB0m
Shapovalov, 25, previously won in Stockholm in 2019 and made his last appearance in a final two years ago in Vienna.
He missed much of the 2023 season through injury and moves back to within touching distance of the world top 50 as the win in Serbia will jump him up 22 places in the ranking.
For 21-year-old Medjedovic, it was a loss in his maiden ATP Tour final. However, the promising young Serb does already boast a title after winning the Next Gen Finals last season.