Novak Djokovic praises his protege

Serbia dominated the season’s closing events! Novak Djokovic conquered the ATP Finals crown, and his protege Hamad Medjedovic went all the way at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah. The young Serb has been working under Djokovic’s guidance since 2021, with a 24-Major winner offering financial and every other support to the upcoming star.

Novak praised Hamad following his crown in Jeddah, with more to come in 2024. Medjedovic claimed almost 150 positions on the ATP ranking list in 2023, reaching two ATP semi-finals and lifting three Challenger titles. Hamad was a player to beat at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, scoring five victories and lifting the trophy.

Medjedovic faced a top-40 rival Arthur Fils in the title clash and earned a 3-4, 4-1, 4-2, 3-4, 4-1 victory in two hours and 11 minutes. The Serb dominated in three sets he won, serving well and delivering three breaks from four chances.

Fils claimed two tie break, but it was not enough to keep him safe, squandering all four break points and finishing runner-up. Hamad landed 38 winners and 21 unforced errors, with both players firing almost 40 service winners and attacking.

They served well in the opening set, reaching a tie break. Arthur saved two set points at 4-6 and created a set point with a service winner. Hamad sprayed a forehand error, handing the opener to his rival and smashing his racquet.

Novak Djokovic praised Hamad Medjedovic following a massive success.

Medjedovic served well in the second set and broke Fils at 15 in the second game. The Serb served for the set at 3-1, landing a powerful serve and locking them at 1-1 after 53 minutes.

Hamad dominated the third set, hoding at love three times and earning an early break in the first game after Arthur’s loose forehand. The Frenchman denied a break point in game three, staying within one break deficit but struggling to keep the rival’s pace.

Medjedovic held at love at 3-1, clinching the set in 21 minutes and moving closer to the finish line. Arthur served well in the fourth set, and Hamad faced issues behind the initial shot for the first time. The Serb prevailed in games two and four, fending off four break points and reaching a tie break.

It brought 20 points and two match points for Medjedovic at 6-5 and 8-7. Fils denied them and prevailed 11-9 with a booming serve, converting his third set point and forcing a decider after an hour and 50 minutes. Hamad left those match points behind and played well in the final set, losing one point in his games and keeping the pressure on the other side.

Medjedovic broke in the second game after Fils’ backhand error, forging a 2-0 advantage and moving closer to the finish line. The Serb held at love in game three and served for the victory at 3-1. Hamad cracked another ace, holding at 15 and celebrating a notable title.