It's official: Djokovic confirms Belgrade event

Novak Djokovic has confirmed that an ATP event is going to be held in Belgrade, Serbia next season. Rumors and discussions have been going on for a while and now it's finally done.

Novak Djokovic announced on Wednesday that the proposed ATP event in Belgrade, Serbia is now a done deal.

“After all the success of our players, we have managed to bring Serbia to the world map of tennis,” said Djokovic, who along with his family bought the rights to the ABN Amro event previously held in the Netherlands.

Djokovic also revealed that the tournament, to be directed by Niki Pilic, will dish out $500,000 in prize money. It will be held in May during the clay-court swing and the third-ranked Serb is hopeful he can lure some of the sport's top players.

“I spoke to some of them about coming, but nothing was sure until we really got the event,” Djokovic explained. “However, it is not crucial that we immediately get (Rafael) Nadal, (Roger) Federer or (Andy) Murray to play,” Djokovic said. “It is important that we get quality matches.”

Ana Ivanovic, meanwhile, is expressing interest in bringing an accompanying WTA tournament to Belgrade.