Belgrade, Serbia, 24th April, 2021 : Novak Djokovic made quick work of countryman Miomir Kecmanovic Friday at the Serbia Open with a 6-1, 6-3 win. The Serbian advances to the semi-finals of the ATP 250, as he seeks his third title at home.
“I think personally I’m feeling very well on court, moving well, hitting the ball well and, of course, enjoying the home court advantage,” Djokovic said. “So I’m really excited to go out in the semi-finals on the court again tomorrow.”
The World No. 1 is playing in just his second event since winning the Australian Open. He opened his clay-court season last week in Monte-Carlo where he was upset by Daniel Evans. On Wednesday, he comfortably dispatched Soonwoo Kwon and was just as solid against Kecmanovic, taking charge of points early and coming to the net regularly.
It was the first meeting between the two compatriots with Djokovic in full command from first point to last. He broke the 21-year-old’s first service game and then established greater dominance by breaking him again to love for 5-1. The most competitive game was when Djokovic came through five Deuce points when he served for the first set
It was all smooth sailing until Djokovic went to serve for the match at 5-2, and got broken. The Serbian rebounded quickly, breaking right back to wrap up the win in one hour and 15 minutes.
“There is a lot more for him to improve on with his footwork and his game — for all of us really,” Djokovic said. “Kecmanovic definitely has the potential to go far. He has already won one tournament and I know that his goals, his ambitions, are high.”
Djokovic faces the winner of Aslan Karatsev and Gianluca Mager on Saturday. He beat Karatsev in straight sets at this year’s Australian Open and has never faced Mager.
