Serbia Open moves to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2023 as Djokovic family prepares for ATP 500 license

The tournament is managed by the Djokovic family with Novak Djokovic being a two-time champion

Novak Djokovic at the Serbian Open in 2021 Image Credit: Imago / Panoramic

October 28, 2022

The Serbia Open, an ATP 250 series event, will move from Belgrade to Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) for a one-year period in 2023 as the tournament organizers, the Djokovic family, plan to undertake necessary measures to apply for an ATP 500 series license.

The news was confirmed by noted Serbian tennis journalist Sasa Ozmo, who also said that Djorde Djokovic, the brother of 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, would remain the Tournament Director for the 2023 edition in Banja Luka, which is scheduled for the week of April 17, 2023.

Serbia Open organizers want to do necessary renovations in order to apply for 500 Series licence, that is why tournament is temporarily moved to Banja Luka.
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) October 27, 2022

It is a temporary, one-year move to Banja Luka, Djordje Djokovic remains tournament director.
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) October 27, 2022

The Serbia Open was first held on the ATP Tour in 2009 for a four-year period. After a break, the tournament returned to the calendar in 2021.

Novak Djokovic has won the title twice in front of his home fans while other champions have included American Sam Querrey, Italy’s Andreas Seppi, Italy’s Matteo Berrettini and Russia’s Andrey Rublev.

Novak plans to play 2023 Serbia Open: Djorde Djokovic

Meanwhile in an interview with Sportklub, Djorde Djokovic confirmed that his brother Novak does plan on playing in the 2023 edition if everything goes as per plan.

He also spoke about the plans to upgrade the tournament to an ATP 5000 event. “That license is still our priority and we are among the main favorites to get it. Precisely for these reasons, in order to be ready for that moment, we temporarily moved the tournament from Belgrade, in order to improve the conditions for that level. We are constantly trying to grow and improve the organization, bring in the best possible players and raise the bar when it comes to quality. This decision was made as part of that strategy,” Djorde Djokovic said.