Novak Djokovic To Host Serbia's First ATP Tournament

[Love Game]

Djokovic gets Serbia on ATP map with first event
Dec. 3, 2008

BELGRADE, Serbia -- Novak Djokovic will host Serbia's first ATP tournament, which will offer $500,000 in prize money.

The third-ranked Serb confirmed Wednesday that Belgrade will host the event in May. His family bought the licence of the ABN Amro Open previously held in the Netherlands.

"After all the success of our players, we have managed to bring Serbia to the world map of tennis," Djokovic said.

Serbia boosts top-ranked Jelena Jankovic and No. 5 Ana Ivanovic, the French Open winner. ... Ivanovic is reportedly negotiating to buy a franchise for a WTA event in Belgrade next winter. ...

Djokovic said he will aim to bring top-ranked players to the ATP tournament between Masters Series events in Rome and Madrid next May.

"I spoke to some of them about coming, but nothing was sure until we really got the event," Djokovic said, adding that Croatian great Niki Pilic will be the director of the tournament. ...

http://www.sportsline.com/tennis/story/11149691

 

[Leublu tennis]

Thank you for the post. Interesting news. I can drive there from here and would love to see Belgrade.

 

[zagor]

Really looking forward to going there next year,I'm excited that my country hosts an ATP tourney for the first time(in my city as well).Also Pilic is a great choice for the director of the tournament,he's a very knowledgable tennis coach and has great relationship with Novak.

 

[Leublu tennis]

Zagor what are you doing up so late?

 

[zagor]

I have an exam on Monday and I'm most comfortable studying late at night.This forum calms my nerves a bit so I check it now and then while I'm studying.

 

[Leublu tennis]

Yah, I know what you mean. Good luck.

 

[MajinX]

wow well i guess they are a rich family.. it would suck if djokovic doesnt win this tournament lol.

 

[zagor]

Yah, I know what you mean. Good luck.

Thanks.

wow well i guess they are a rich family.. it would suck if djokovic doesnt win this tournament lol.

Well they are rich now because of Novak prize money and endorsements.It would be fine if Troicki or Tipsa win the tourney as well,it doesn't have to be Novak every year although it would be great if he did win it this first time since afterall it's thanks to him that Serbia is going to have this tourney in the first place.

I wonder since Pilic is the director if maybe Ancic will come,I would really like to see him play live.

 

[Love Game]

Thank you for the post. Interesting news. I can drive there from here and would love to see Belgrade.

I hope a lot of players enter to make the first one a big success!

 

[Love Game]

Really looking forward to going there next year,I'm excited that my country hosts an ATP tourney for the first time(in my city as well).Also Pilic is a great choice for the director of the tournament,he's a very knowledgable tennis coach and has great relationship with Novak.

Really exciting!
May will be here before we know it!
I wonder if they already have a venue.

 

[Love Game]

wow well i guess they are a rich family.. it would suck if djokovic doesnt win this tournament lol.

that's funny! I didnt think of that! :lol:

 

[edmondsm]

Are there plans to stage a WTA tournament there as well? It would seem appropriate seeing how impressive the two Serbian ladies have been.

 

[RF007]

Since Djokovic is the host of the tournament, is he allowed to play?
From what I understand, the tournament will already be held next year. The calendar doesn't reflect it yet: http://www.atptennis.com/3/en/tournaments/fullcalendar/
Interestingly, Nadal has signed up already to participate in the ABN Amro Open thinking it would be played on February. But if the tournament moves in between the Rome and Madrid Masters, I don't think he'll be too happy.
http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/content.cfm?pers_id=11&cat=2&lang=1

 

[kelz]

Thanks.



Well they are rich now because of Novak prize money and endorsements.It would be fine if Troicki or Tipsa win the tourney as well,it doesn't have to be Novak every year although it would be great if he did win it this first time since afterall it's thanks to him that Serbia is going to have this tourney in the first place.

I wonder since Pilic is the director if maybe Ancic will come,I would really like to see him play live.

I don't think he will play his own tournament.

 

[edmondsm]

I guess Marko Djokovic has another wild card coming.

 

[SikSerb]

Heard about this earlier. Very good thing for tennis in my country. And i'll definetly be there.