In an exciting week of tennis in Belgrade, two of Serbia’s top players, Marin Čilić and Dušan Lajović, experienced memorable moments on the court. Čilić, the Croatian veteran, made a significant return to winning ways by capturing the title at the 2024 Serbia Open, his first ATP title in over a year. The win was a testament to the 35-year-old’s resilience and ability to bounce back from a challenging stretch, where injuries and inconsistent form had hindered his progress. Čilić, known for his powerful serve and steady baseline game, was dominant throughout the tournament, displaying both the experience and skill that have made him a staple in the ATP top 20 for much of his career.

Čilić’s triumph in Belgrade came after a hard-fought final, where he outlasted his opponent in straight sets, showing that despite the years, he still possesses the form that saw him lift a Grand Slam title at the 2014 US Open. His victory was a much-needed boost as he seeks to regain his place among the elite players in the sport.

Meanwhile, in a thrilling home crowd atmosphere, Serbia’s Dušan Lajović emerged as the other major winner of the tournament. Lajović triumphed in the men’s singles event at the Serbia Open, overcoming a series of tough opponents, including a remarkable semifinal victory over a higher-ranked player. The Belgrade-native’s performance in front of his home fans was nothing short of inspiring, as he captured his first ATP title in nearly four years. His steady, tactical game, combined with the energy of the home crowd, allowed him to clinch the title in a tense final, marking a significant achievement in his career.

For both Čilić and Lajović, these victories were not just about the titles, but also about proving to themselves and their fans that they remain forces to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour. Their success in Belgrade has brought excitement to the Serbian tennis scene and set the stage for an exciting rest of the season.