Hamad Medvedovic recorded his first tour-level hard-court win of 2024 at the Belgrade Open with countryman Novak Djokovic watching from the stands.
The Serbian wild card advanced to the second round with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over sixth seed Brendan Nakashima.
Medjedovic shook off a sluggish start to dial up the serve in the second, during which he won 86 percent (19/22) of his first delivery points, according to ATP Statistics.
Nakashima had two break chances in the third game of the decider, but Medvedovic sealed the win. The world number 158 will next face qualifiers Branko Juric or Aleksandar Kovacevic in the second round.
“It was a tough match, he was the better player in the first, and in the second I was trying to keep my head and find my game. Little by little, step by step, I found my game and I got back on track,” Medjedovic said.
In the second match, Fabian Marozsan defeated star Shang Juncheng 2-6, 7-6(5), 7-5. The 25-year-old will face either Dusan Lajovic or ninth seed Mariano Navone in the second round.
