Belgrade Open: Shapovalov eases past Medjedovic to win his second ATP title

Denis Shapovalov outplayed Serb wildcard Hamad Medjedovic 6-4, 6-4 to win the Belgrade Open title.

It is the second ATP title of the Canadian’s career, and his first since lifting the Stockholm Open in 2019. Shapovalov came through two rounds of qualifying en route to today’s title, meaning he has won seven matches in a row – and he did so with the loss of just a single set.

While talented youngster Medjedovic played well, he was unable to earn a single break against the Canadian’s serve, which was operating at maximum capacity for most of the match.

A brief blip, in the form of two double-faults, at the end of the first set saw the Serb’s only break point opportunities as Shapovalov served for a one-set lead at 5-4. But the Canadian did well to steady himself and hold serve.

A single break in each set was enough, as Shapovalov converted both his break points in what was the decisive difference between the two players.

The world No 78 won an impressive 82% of his first serves, while landing 63% of his first deliveries.

The Canadian has held such promise for a long time, but has failed to capitalise on his potential as a tendency to misfire in the bigger moments has consistently hampered his progress.

This title is a big step in the right direction, however, and gives Shapovalov a solid foundation to build from next season as he secures his first title in five years.

Shapovalov, ranked No 78, defeated Hungarian qualifier Marton Fucsovics (6-7 (6), 7-5, 6-1), Portuguese Nuno Borges, the No 5 seed (6-2, 6-4), Australian Christopher O’Connell (6-2, 6-2) and No 4 seed Jiri Lehecka (6-2, 6-1) in the previous rounds of the Belgrade tournament.

Earlier in the tournament, Medjedovic, ranked No 156, defeated American Brandon Nakashima, the No 6 seed (3-6, 7-5, 6-3), American Aleksandar Kovacevic (7-6 (5), 6-4), Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo, the No 3 seed (6-4, 6-2) and wildcard Laslo Djere (6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (2)).