Wikipedia - Serbia Open

The Serbia Open (Serbian: Отворено првенство Србије, romanized: Otvoreno prvenstvo Srbije) was a professional tennis tournament, part of the ATP 250 series and the ATP Tour. Held in Belgrade, Serbia and played on outdoor clay courts, the event was held for the first time in 2009. It was the first for Serbia, as the country had never before hosted an Association of Tennis Professionals tournament. The tournament was held as a combined men's and women's event in 2021. This marked the first time in history a WTA tournament was held in Serbia. The last edition was played in 2022, after which the tournament moved for a one-year period to Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina and rebranded as Srpska Open.

History

The tournament was owned and run by the family of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, who through their company Family Sport purchased the ATP Tour date from the organizers of the Dutch Open in 2008, then arranged with the local city of Belgrade authorities for the plot of land where the venue was built, and convinced the government of Serbia under prime minister Mirko Cvetković to support the event through state-owned enterprises, primarily Telekom Srbija. At the time of their purchase in 2008, Djokovic was the World No. 3 player, having won his first Grand Slam title earlier that year.

Djokovic's uncle Goran Djokovic was the tournament director from its inception, until he resigned the post in late May 2012, a month after the tournament's 2012 edition. Novak Djokovic won the tournament twice, in 2009 and 2011. In 2013, Serbia Open was replaced on the ATP schedule by the newly established Power Horse Cup in Düsseldorf.

The tournament returned to the calendar in April 2021, replacing the Hungarian Open with its now new director, Djordje Djokovic.

The 2023 edition was replaced by the 2023 Srpska Open for one year as Djokovic' family was preparing the Serbian venue in order to apply for an ATP 500 status. In March, 2023, Djokovic revealed that he wanted to buy the licence of owner Ion Tiriac but that Tiriac does not want to sell it, as to lease the licence is very profitable, and too expensive for the Serbia Open. The tournament is unlikely to be held in 2024 while Djokovic looks to lease or buy another licence.

The Serbia Open is an annual table tennis tournament held in Serbia, attracting top players from around the world. This prestigious event showcases the highest level of table tennis competition and is eagerly anticipated by fans and players alike.

The tournament takes place in state-of-the-art venues, providing a perfect setting for the intense battles that unfold on the table. The atmosphere is electric, with enthusiastic spectators filling the stands, creating an incredible ambiance that adds to the excitement of the matches.

The Serbia Open features both men's and women's singles events, where players showcase their exceptional skills, agility, and strategic prowess. The tournament also includes doubles events, adding an extra layer of teamwork and coordination to the competition.

The tournament attracts a diverse range of players, from seasoned veterans to rising stars, all vying for the coveted title. Spectators can witness thrilling rallies, lightning-fast reflexes, and incredible shot-making as the players compete for every point.

The Serbia Open not only provides a platform for players to showcase their talent but also serves as a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. It brings together players from different backgrounds, fostering camaraderie and promoting the spirit of sportsmanship.

In addition to the intense competition, the Serbia Open offers a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Spectators can enjoy a variety of food and beverage options, live music, and entertainment, creating a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.

The Serbia Open is not only a celebration of table tennis but also a testament to the passion and dedication of the players and the fans. It is a tournament that embodies the spirit of sportsmanship, competition, and unity, making it a must-attend event for table tennis enthusiasts from all over the world.