Djokovic loses Serbia Open final to Rublev

World No 1 Novak Djokovic remains without an ATP Tour title this season after losing to Russia's Andrey Rublev in the final of the Serbia Open.

Djokovic fought back from a set down for the fourth time this week in front of his home fans in Belgrade, but ran out of steam in the decider as Rublev powered to a 6-2 6-7 (4-7) 6-0 victory in two hours and 29 minutes.

It was Rublev's first win over a world No 1 and gives the 24-year-old a third tour-level title of the season - equalling the tally of Rafael Nadal - following previous victories in Marseille and Dubai in February.

Rublev broke Djokovic's serve twice in the opening set and saved five set points in the second to force a tie-break, but Djokovic roared into a 5-2 lead and let out a roar of delight as he levelled the contest.

However, the efforts of the week then seemed to catch up with Djokovic, and Rublev crucially saved two break points in the opening game of the third set before breaking his opponent's serve three times to storm through the decider without losing a game.

Djokovic missed a chunk of the early season, including the Australian Open and the ATP Masters 1000 events in Miami and Indian Wells, due to the fallout from his refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

On his return to the tour, he suffered a shock defeat by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his opening match at the Monte Carlo Masters, and though he battled through to the final in Belgrade this week his lack of match practice ultimately caught up with him.

Rublev, speaking during the trophy ceremony, said: "It is big to play against you and share the court for the second time.

"I hope we have more battles. I feel so great here, it is a very nice city. It feels really special. I want to say a big