As the tournament in Belgrade draws to a close, Laslo Djere plays with more and more confidence. After beating Wawrinka and Ajdukovic, Djere also prevailed over the better-ranked Fabian Maroszan in the quarterfinals of the Belgrade Open.
The Hungarian had no answer to the game of the Serbian. With devastating serves, Djere broke his rival’s game as early as in the ninth game of the first set. The second set saw more of the same, as Djere’s precision increased, serving lethally to qualify for the semi-finals in Belgrade, the first this season.
“Another victory, definitely the best result of the year and my favorite week. I don’t know what to say about my emotions! I am satisfied and happy. After a long time, a good result that I can be satisfied with. Still, I want more. I’m glad to be in the semi-finals,” said Laslo Djere.
The Serbian player had a lot of problems with an elbow injury and dropped out of the top 100, but now the path is opening again for him to reach the finish line and get back to where he belongs.
“I have rarely been in this situation. I knew before the tournament what kind of year it was, and I didn’t have high expectations. I was looking forward to playing in the Arena in front of the Serbian fans. I thought I might play a round or two to finish what has been a very busy season. I did not consider the scenario that I would be in the semifinals and play good tennis from match to match. I serve very well; the conditions suit me. However, this year due to an elbow injury, I did not serve so well. Now I’m getting back into the rhythm – there’s the serve and the confidence.
The indoor conditions seem to suit Djere the most out of all the Serbian players.
“It’s not the first time I’ve played good indoor tennis. That happened in Stockholm last year. I have an indoor game and love these conditions. My tennis is improving on fast surfaces.”
If he wins the title in Belgrade, according to some calculations, Djere could also enter the main draw in Australia.
“I didn’t have that in my plan, a lot depends on tomorrow’s match whether I will play some challengers. There are a lot of scenarios, it’s difficult for me to decide anything now, because I will be borderline close. I try not to think about it”, Djere concluded.
