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Novak Djokovic warms up for French Open with Belgrade win

Novak Djokovic claimed his 83rd ranking title
Novak Djokovic claimed his 83rd ranking title

Novak Djokovic completed preparations for next week's French Open at Roland Garros by winning his 83rd ranking title at the Belgrade Open.

But the world number one was given a test by qualifier Alex Molcan, who broke the favourite three times in the opening set whilst struggling to hold his own serve.

Djokovic changed his game to secure a relatively straightforward 6-4 6-3 victory in 88 minutes and send him to the French capital in good heart.

Djokovic said in a post-match interview: "It's been a while since I last played here in front of a crowd.

"To hold a trophy here after 10 years is really special and it couldn’t be better ahead of Roland Garros.

"I am playing well, feeling good, and I have spent quality time with my family."

Djokovic, who won his only French Open title to date in 2016, is scheduled to start in the first round against American Tennys Sandgren.

Sebastian Korda beat home favourite Marco Cecchinato to claim his first career tour title at the Emilia-Romagna Open in Parma.

Korda’s 6-2 6-4 win also made him the first American to win a title on European clay since Sam Querrey triumphed in Belgrade in 2010.

The 20-year-old capped an impressive week with an imposing performance in which he faced just a single break point, breaking at the crucial stage in the second set to seal his triumph.

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