We have reached the final of this year’s ATP Belgrade Open. Hometown all-time great Novak Djokovic decided to play this event the week before the French Open in order to make sure he is in top form for the year’s second Major. His challenger in the final is qualifier Alex Molcan. Who will win? I share my thoughts, and we’re always happy to hear yours.
ATP Belgrade Open Final Prediction
Novak Djokovic vs Alex Molcan
First and foremost, we have to appreciate just how incredible this run is from Molcan. The Slovak entered the week with a career-high ranking of World #255. He was somewhat fortunate to face wild cards (both ranked lower than him) in each of the first two rounds. Of course, we have to mention that his performance in those matches–especially a 6-0 6-0 demolition of World #285 Pedja Krstin in the second round–was far more impressive than we expected.
Molcan wasn’t done with just two strong wins, though. He backed that up with another demolition in the quarterfinals, 6-2 6-0, this time of Fernando Verdasco. In the semifinals, he gutted his way through a tight three-set battle over World #52 Federico Delbonis. This run will push Molcan to another career-high ranking, well inside the Top 200. How stunning is this? With his ranking of #255, Molcan didn’t even get into this week’s qualifying for the French Open.
Of course, none of that will help Molcan on Saturday. Novak Djokovic is the best player in the world right now. Even though he hasn’t been near his top form this week–in fact, if the World #1 was searching for his top clay form, he still hasn’t found it–he’s just far better than Molcan. I expect the Slovak to put up a spirited fight. And if Djokovic isn’t taking the match seriously enough, perhaps Molcan can find a way to sneak a set. In the end, though, this is Djokovic’s match to lose. And he’s not losing it.
Prediction: Djokovic in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
