Laslo Djere will square off tomorrow against Stan Wawrinka, and this is the match that attracts the most attention on the third day of the Belgrade Open tournament.
Laslo Djere is ranked 141st in the ATP rankings, while Wawrinka is currently ranked 148th in the world.
Despite the fact that this is the last tournament of the year, Djere does not feel tired, but is looking forward to a new encounter with the Belgrade audience.
“I used to have more pressure when playing in front of a home crowd, but now it’s not like that. I’ve had more opportunities to experience that, because in the last few years we’ve played more in Belgrade during the Serbia Open, as well as several Davis Cup matches. I don’t think I’m putting any unnecessary pressure on myself anymore, but tomorrow it remains to be seen if I’ll manage to do it,” said Laslo Djere honestly on the eve of tomorrow’s duel with Wawrinka.
The organizers made an effort to turn the Arena into a “tennis temple”. The courts, as well as the accompanying facilities, are fully adapted to the players.
“It’s a special week for me and the rest of our players because we are playing in Belgrade. “We’re used to traveling from week to week and I am very happy to be able to play a tournament like this at home. I’m enjoying this week.”
The central event of the Belgrade Open tournament is definitely tomorrow’s match between Djere and Wawrinka. Expectations from the Serbian player are high. Miomir Kecmanovic pointed out that he gives the advantage against the Swiss to his colleague from the national team for several reasons, and one is a slightly slower surface, which suits Djere better.
“I don’t know what to say, we’ll see, I hope Misha is right. I’ve had a few days to get used to the conditions. I think I’ve succeeded in that; I believe I’m going to play a good match.”
A slower surface might help.
“Anyway, I don’t really agree that it’s that slow.”
Djere and Wawrinka have met twice, and the Swiss won both matches. A third could be a stroke of luck for the U.S. Senate.
“I have nothing to say. Everything is known about Wawrinka. We have played twice so far. I wasn’t 100 percent ready in those games. He won both times. In Stockholm, Wawrinka played in the semi-finals and that is his only solid result this year. I’m going to have to take this duel as seriously as possible. Stan has had a great career that is still underway. I’m going to do my best and hopefully I’ll be able to win this time.”
As in the case of Hamad Medjedovic, the audience will be a key factor.
“Of course, I hope to have a lot of support from the fans tomorrow,” Djere concluded.
