Laslo Djere

[Damian]

Fellow Serbian and third seed Laslo Djere continued his excellent year on clay by battling past eighth-seeded Argentine Leonardo Mayer 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3. A determined Djere saved six points in the second set before Mayer finally evened the score with a backhand winner on his seventh opportunity. But the Serbian remained calm and scored the lone break of the deciding set to advance in two hours and 40 minutes.
Djere improved to 2-0 in his FedEx ATP Head2Head series with Mayer and is still on track for his second ATP Tour title of the season. He won his maiden crown this February in Rio de Janeiro (d. Auger-Aliassime).

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/lajovic ... 019-friday

[DUN I LOVE]

Pięknie wszedł w sezon, ale od...Umagu nie wygrał choćby meczu.

[Damian]

2019 w liczbach:

Ranking: 38
Bilans meczów: 20-22
Tytuły: 1 (Rio de Janeiro)
Finały: 0
Zarobki: $1,186,499

[Kamileki]

Laslo Djere - Rio de Janeiro [First-Time Winner Spotlight]

Laslo Djere began his run at the Rio Open presented by Claro with a straight-sets win against top seed and 2017 titlist Dominic Thiem, his first victory against an opponent inside the Top 10 of the ATP Rankings. And the Serbian finished his week with his first ATP Tour title, defeating fellow first-time finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 7-5 to lift the trophy.

It was an emotional triumph for Djere, whose mother had passed away seven years earlier, and his father died two months before the tournament. His victory speech on court after the match went viral, gaining support on social media from countless players, including Novak Djokovic.

“It’s been the week of my dreams. So many things have been achieved here. I’m really happy, excited and emotional now. I’m happy I could push through this match because it was very tough mentally and physically.”

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/first-t ... art-1-2019

[Damian]

Djere, the 2019 Rio presented by Claro champion, beat Spanish qualifier Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-4. The Serbian finished 2019 on a seven-match losing streak but ended that in his first match of 2020 in Doha. He will try to reach his first semi-final since July at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag (l. to Balazs).

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/londero ... 0-thursday

[arti]

His next opponent, Djere, clawed past defending champion Juan Ignacio Londero 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-6(5) after two hours and 43 minutes. The Serbian struck 14 aces and won 82 per cent of his first-serve points to squeak by the home favourite.

“I had no extra pressure… he won last year, he had to defend many points. I know what it can be because it is what awaits me in Rio," Djere said. "The public was on his side and probably pushed him through difficult times. I tried to feed from people too ,and I am very happy with today's victory."

Djere made his biggest breakthrough last February, when he won the Rio Open presented by Claro. Schwartzman beat Djere last year in Cincinnati in their only previous ATP Head2Head match.

"To play two days against Argentines, I'm not very happy about that," Djere joked. “I expect even more people tomorrow in favour of Diego. Today I could handle it and it is important that I stay focussed."

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/schwart ... 020-friday

[Del Fed]

Resurfaced: At 23, Laslo Djere Is Without Parents, But Not Without Hope

Spoiler:

If you believe and you try really hard, better times will come
Editor's Note: ATPTour.com is resurfacing features to bring fans closer to their favourite players during the current suspension in tournament play. This story was originally published on 13 April 2019.

You're supposed to be calm and confident before the biggest moment of your life, right? I was not. I was a bundle of nerves.

Was I really playing in my first ATP Tour final, only two months after one of the worst days of my life?

I wasn't nervous because of doubts – I thought I could win my first ATP Tour title. But when I walked onto centre court in Rio, with the sun shining and the fans cheering, my mind was everywhere.

What are my parents thinking? What would they say to me? Is my dad, the man who had been there for every step of my career, pleased? It didn't matter how many times I tried to refocus on the present, I couldn't bring myself to completely focus on the match.

All my life, my parents and I had worked for this moment. Since I was five, my dad had taught me so much about tennis – always traveling with me, teaching me, helping me. Until a few months ago, nearly every memory I had about the sport starred my father.

But life changes quickly, and I've had to learn to appreciate everything, including opportunities as rare as a final at the ATP 500 level.

From the back of the court, I steadied my thoughts and focused on my routines. “Felix Auger-Aliassime to serve,” Mohamed Lahyani, the chair umpire, said.

Even with all my nervous energy, I had a measure of peace about the final. I knew that, even though my parents weren't in the stadium that night, they were watching.

<a href='https://www.atptour.com/en/players/lasl ... iew'>Laslo Djere</a>
Djere had never reached an ATP Tour final before Rio in February. (Photo: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

**

My father, Caba, had no dreams of having a professional tennis player as a son. He loved football and played for the local club in Senta, my hometown in Serbia.

But when I was five, his passion for tennis made him want to learn how to play. My dad had watched the icons of my early childhood – Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Goran Ivanisevic, from neighboring Croatia – and had become a dedicated fan.

The day he started to learn, I did, too. I walked with him to the clay courts, and they gave me a racquet and a ball, and I hit against the wall.

Eventually, I started to practise and, after about two years of working with a coach and my father, they saw that I was quite good. I liked it as well, so my dad and I started traveling to tennis tournaments all across my country.

At least three weekends a month, we'd drive across Serbia, to Belgrade, Novi Sad, Pančevo, Kraljevo, Subotica and Kikinda. My dad would drive and I'd lie in the back, sleeping. We'd stay Saturday, Sunday and, if I made the final, Monday.

When you're a kid starting in a sport, wins mean more to you than they should, and losses hurt more than you can imagine. But my dad always tried to keep me level. He'd console me when I lost and encourage me when I won.

My childhood, however, wasn't all about tennis. I can remember when I was really little, visiting my grandmother's, my mom's mom.

My grandmother would always knead dough and make pasta, and when we visited, she would give my sister, Judit, and I a piece of dough – but like play-doh – so we could play along. We'd knead, cut and fold the “dough”, but never eat it. I didn't know it at the time, but, during those trips, my love for baking was born.

My tennis career, by the time I was 15, was also progressing. Then I found out my mom, Hajnalka, had cancer. It had started in her colon, and by the time she was diagnosed, in November 2010, the cancer was already metastatic.

Seventeen months later, she died. She was 44. I was 16 and without a mom.

<a href='https://www.atptour.com/en/players/lasl ... iew'>Laslo Djere</a> and his sister Judit

Djere and his sister, Judit, have always been close. (Photo: Laslo Djere)
**

In Rio, neither Felix nor I had played our best in the first set. But after five breaks, I settled down and added one more to take the first set.

My early play matched my pre-final feelings. I was happy to have a chance to play in my first final because, for sure, it will affect my career. My ranking will go up, and if I win, my goal will be accomplished. But I couldn't quite feel relaxed.

This is why I work with a sports psychologist. We speak about different situations that can come up during a match, how I'm feeling and how I can work to stay in the moment.

For example, if I feel distracted, I'll tell myself a keyword or go through a routine that will bring me back to the present. Or if I feel fear, I'll try to find out why I'm feeling that way.

Usually I feel scared or worried because I'm not in the present moment – I'm thinking about what the consequences might be if I lose.

But, because of my psychologist's help, I can quickly – in a matter of a seconds – return to the present.

I went through this process multiple times in all my matches in Rio, including when I played Dominic Thiem, a matchup that made my coach cringe.

He felt like I was playing so good in practice and was sad that I'd have to play Thiem, one of the best players in the world. But, as I've tried to do all of my life, I looked at it positively. Maybe this was a good moment to play the top seed.

Three matches later, I was in the Rio final, and after 41 minutes, as I sat down for the break, I could breathe a little easier.

**

In 2017, five years after my mom died, I was having the best year of my career. Our new family of three – my dad, sister and I – had managed to recover from losing my mom, and on the court, I had never played better.

I made five ATP Challenger Tour finals, and won one of them, my first Challenger title. My ranking had jumped almost 100 spots. For the first time, I was set to finish the year inside the Top 100.

I felt like all the work my coaches, my dad and I had done was paying off. Although my dad was never officially my “coach”, he was always helping me like a coach would and guiding my career.

He laid out my schedule, and together, we'd sit down and decide which tournaments I'd play and when.

He handled the travel logistics, buying airplane tickets or deciding the best way to get there. He came to most of my matches, too. I can still see him pumping his fist when I played the 2017 Roland Garros qualifying.

I always felt his support when he was there, but even when he couldn't come, I knew he was watching. After a match, I'd open up my phone and, win or lose, the first thing I'd see would be a text message from him.

“Great work!” “Very good job!” “Congrats!” he'd say if I won.

If I lost, he'd encourage me: “Your game is good, just continue, everything is alright.”

To end my 2017 season, I lost in qualifying at the Rolex Paris Masters. I headed home for the beginning of my off-season, a period of relaxation before heavy training. I was so grateful to be able to spend time with my sister and father.

But after a few days, we learned everything was changing again. My dad had cancer. Colon cancer. The same as my mother. The dreaded thoughts raced into my head once more: Why is this happening to me? Why are things going like this? As if losing one parent wasn't enough?

The pain stayed with me for weeks, months. It never completely goes away, to be honest.

But, this time, I also felt something different. I felt a big responsibility to my sister and father. My dad was the head of the family, and I was next in line, so I had to be strong. I had to be there for them.

The tennis life – with constant travel and matches – is complicated enough, but the next 13 months were a blur.

I was practising and traveling just as much, and when I got home, I wanted to rest, but I tried to go to the doctor with my dad or research his diagnosis or make phone calls about it.

I wanted to try to help him as much as I could to show him love and support. I wanted to spend time with him and sit next to him. I gave everything I could, at least, I hope so.

The worst part about that terrible time was that it ended. My dad went through radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Nothing worked. He died in December 2018. He was 55.

And here I was, 23, without parents.

**

You never know what you're going to feel when your dream comes true. You spend hours thinking about the moment, envisioning yourself winning the final point and lifting the trophy. But how will it feel?

The moment Felix hit a forehand into the net on my fifth championship point, I felt relief.

I dropped my racquet, covered my face, puffed out my chest. I couldn't believe what was happening. I pointed to the sky, where my parents were watching.

<a href='https://www.atptour.com/en/players/lasl ... iew'>Laslo Djere</a> beats Auger-Aliassime to win the <a href='https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/ ... rview'>Rio Open presented by Claro</a>
Djere wins his first ATP Tour title in Rio. (Photo: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

Jumping around on court and waving to the crowd, I could feel my eyes well up. The trophy ceremony followed.

“I want to dedicate this trophy to my parents. I lost my mom seven years ago so I want to dedicate this one to her,” I said, as the crowd showed me so much support. “And also to my dad, I lost him two months ago... My parents had the biggest impact on me, and because of them I am who I am today.”

The response since I first shared my story has been overwhelming. People, including my countryman Novak Djokovic, supported me on Twitter – so I heard, I'm not on Twitter yet – and others shared nice words in person, including Nick Kyrgios, who, the first time he saw me in Indian Wells, came up from behind me and gave me a big hug.

I didn't plan on mentioning my parents during the ceremony, but I feel a responsibility to share my story. I felt strong enough to push through their deaths, and I hope that I can be an example for others who are going through tough times.

You May Also Like: Djere Holds Off Felix For Maiden Title
If you believe and you try really hard, better times will come, and you can achieve amazing things if you are strong enough. If I can do it, then I'm sure anybody can do it.

I think of my parents every day. They shaped who I am, inwardly – how I treat people, how I go about my days – and outwardly – what I do with my time.

I play tennis because of my dad, and I relax through baking – cinnamon buns, apple crumble and chocolate brownies with almonds are some of my favourites – because of my mom's side of the family.

Good has come out of my struggle. I know my purpose in life. I have to play tennis and continue the work my family started with me 20 years ago.

Although, because I've been through so much, I sometimes feel as if I'm 50 years old, I know that I'm not the unluckiest person on Earth. Many other people struggle and have problems. It's not easy for anyone.

I just have to continue my life. I miss my dad's text messages after matches, and I miss my mom's love and support. Life would be easier with them.

But I know that my time will also come. We are not here forever, not one of us, and I just want to use the time while I'm here in a positive way and do as much good as I can.

I will see my parents again, whether I want to or not. But while I'm here, I just want to make sure I give all that I can and make them proud.

- as told to Jonathon Braden

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/laslo-d ... -have-hope

[Kamileki]

[Kamileki]

Djere Leads Qualifier Surge Into Kitzbühel SFs

Spoiler:

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Laslo Djere upsets second seed Diego Schwartzman to reach the Generali Open semi-finals.
Djere Leads Qualifier Surge Into Kitzbühel SFs
Sep112020
ATP Staff

Three qualifiers advance to the semi-finals

Serbian Laslo Djere spearheaded the spirited run of qualifiers at the Generali Open in Kitzbühel Friday, upsetting second seed Diego Schwartzman to reach the semi-finals.

Djere, who survived a third-set tie-break against 2019 runner-up Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the first round, backed up his straight-sets win over Next Gen ATP Finals champion Jannik Sinner with a 7-6(2) 6-3 win over Argentina’s No. 1 player.

“We played twice before this, so I knew it would be a really tough match with lots of running and fighting and that is what I got today,” said Djere. “I played really good from the beginning until the end… It was a good match and I am really happy that I made it through to the semi-finals.”

Watch Live

The 25-year-old is trying to add to the lone ATP Tour title he won on clay at the 2019 Rio Open presented by Claro.

World No. 81 Djere will next face Yannick Hanfmann, who defeated fellow German qualifier Maximilian Marterer 6-2, 7-5.

Switzerland’s Marc-Andrea Huesler created history when he defeated Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez 6-4, 6-3 to become the third qualifier in the quarter-finals. Never before have three qualifiers reached the last four of an ATP Tour tournament.

World No. 47 Miomir Kecmanovic survived Federico Delbonis’ attempt to complete an all-qualifier semi-final line-up in Kitzbühel. The Serbian saved each of the three break points he faced to overcome Delbonis 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-5 in two hours and 33 minutes.
More stories like this in:

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quarterfinal - centre court01:53:37
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Game Set and Match Laslo Djere. Laslo Djere wins the match 7-6(2) 6-3 .
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https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djere-l ... buehel-sfs

[DUN I LOVE]

Po cichutku wraca do formy Serb. Finał na Sardynii to będzie jego drugi mecz o tytuł ATP (wcześniej triumf w Rio19).

[Damian]

Djere To Face Cecchinato In Sardinia Final

Spoiler:

Cecchinato drops one game in semi-final victory

Laslo Djere advanced to his second ATP Tour championship match on Saturday at the Forte Village Sardegna Open.

The 25-year-old was leading Lorenzo Musetti 2-6, 6-2, 4-1 when the #NextGenATP Italian was forced to retire with a right elbow injury. Last year’s Rio Open presented by Claro champion will meet Marco Cecchinato in the final on Sunday. The 28-year-old charged through to the championship match with a 6-1, 6-0 win against lucky loser Danilo Petrovic.

Djere will be seeking his first victory against Cecchinato when he meets the Italian on Sunday. In the pair’s only previous ATP Head2Head encounter, Cecchinato claimed a straight-sets win en route to his second of three ATP Tour titles at the 2018 Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag.

Musetti made a fast start to his first ATP Tour semi-final, ripping a cross-court forehand return winner to break serve in the opening game. The Italian showed great court coverage throughout the first set, forcing Djere to increase his aggression, which extracted multiple errors.

“I knew that he was playing really well, had a lot of confidence and had some great results in the past few weeks, but I didn’t expect the high level that he played in the first set," said Djere. "It surprised me a bit and I didn’t have the answer."


Djere responded well in the second set, racing out to a 4-0 lead. The Serbian dropped just two points behind his first serve in the second set (11/13) and dictated baseline play with powerful groundstrokes to force a decider.

“I managed to stay focussed and fought back in the second set, which I am really happy about," said Djere. "My level was higher in the second set, [as was] my intensity. I changed tactics a little bit and I was more focussed on my serve.”

Watch Live

Serving at 1-2 in the third set, Musetti pulled out of his service motion as he began to feel pain in his right elbow. Djere rushed Musetti into errors to break and held serve for a 4-1 lead, before the Italian took a medical timeout. After dropping the opening point of his service game upon the resumption of play, Musetti walked to the net to touch racquets with Djere, ending the match.

Musetti was attempting to become the youngest Italian in the Open Era to reach an ATP Tour final. The 18-year-old entered last month’s Internazionali BNL d’Italia with no Top 100 wins at No. 249 in the FedEx ATP Rankings. Musetti now owns seven Top 100 victories, an ATP Challenger Tour trophy (Forli) and his first tour-level semi-final. Musetti rose to a career-high No. 138 on 28 September.

"There was one month of tournaments at ATP level with a lot of Top 100 players," said Musetti. "I think I did an amazing job and now I will take a rest and see what is happening with the elbow… I am going to rest a bit because I am a little bit tired after playing a lot of matches in a row."

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djere-c ... 0-saturday

[Damian]

My Point: Laslo Djere Is Without Parents, But Not Without Hope

Spoiler:

If you believe and you try really hard, better times will come
Editor's Note: Laslo Djere will play for his second ATP Tour title on Sunday at the Forte Village Sardegna Open. This story was originally published on 13 April 2019.

You're supposed to be calm and confident before the biggest moment of your life, right? I was not. I was a bundle of nerves.

Was I really playing in my first ATP Tour final, only two months after one of the worst days of my life?

I wasn't nervous because of doubts – I thought I could win my first ATP Tour title. But when I walked onto centre court in Rio, with the sun shining and the fans cheering, my mind was everywhere.

What are my parents thinking? What would they say to me? Is my dad, the man who had been there for every step of my career, pleased? It didn't matter how many times I tried to refocus on the present, I couldn't bring myself to completely focus on the match.

All my life, my parents and I had worked for this moment. Since I was five, my dad had taught me so much about tennis – always traveling with me, teaching me, helping me. Until a few months ago, nearly every memory I had about the sport starred my father.

But life changes quickly, and I've had to learn to appreciate everything, including opportunities as rare as a final at the ATP 500 level.

From the back of the court, I steadied my thoughts and focused on my routines. “Felix Auger-Aliassime to serve,” Mohamed Lahyani, the chair umpire, said.

Even with all my nervous energy, I had a measure of peace about the final. I knew that, even though my parents weren't in the stadium that night, they were watching.

<a href='/en/players/laslo-djere/db63/overview'>Laslo Djere</a>
Djere had never reached an ATP Tour final before Rio in February. (Photo: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

**

My father, Caba, had no dreams of having a professional tennis player as a son. He loved football and played for the local club in Senta, my hometown in Serbia.

But when I was five, his passion for tennis made him want to learn how to play. My dad had watched the icons of my early childhood – Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Goran Ivanisevic, from neighboring Croatia – and had become a dedicated fan.

The day he started to learn, I did, too. I walked with him to the clay courts, and they gave me a racquet and a ball, and I hit against the wall.

Eventually, I started to practise and, after about two years of working with a coach and my father, they saw that I was quite good. I liked it as well, so my dad and I started traveling to tennis tournaments all across my country.

At least three weekends a month, we'd drive across Serbia, to Belgrade, Novi Sad, Pančevo, Kraljevo, Subotica and Kikinda. My dad would drive and I'd lie in the back, sleeping. We'd stay Saturday, Sunday and, if I made the final, Monday.

When you're a kid starting in a sport, wins mean more to you than they should, and losses hurt more than you can imagine. But my dad always tried to keep me level. He'd console me when I lost and encourage me when I won.

My childhood, however, wasn't all about tennis. I can remember when I was really little, visiting my grandmother's, my mom's mom.

My grandmother would always knead dough and make pasta, and when we visited, she would give my sister, Judit, and I a piece of dough – but like play-doh – so we could play along. We'd knead, cut and fold the “dough”, but never eat it. I didn't know it at the time, but, during those trips, my love for baking was born.

My tennis career, by the time I was 15, was also progressing. Then I found out my mom, Hajnalka, had cancer. It had started in her colon, and by the time she was diagnosed, in November 2010, the cancer was already metastatic.

Seventeen months later, she died. She was 44. I was 16 and without a mom.

<a href='/en/players/laslo-djere/db63/overview'>Laslo Djere</a> and his sister Judit

Djere and his sister, Judit, have always been close. (Photo: Laslo Djere)
**

In Rio, neither Felix nor I had played our best in the first set. But after five breaks, I settled down and added one more to take the first set.

My early play matched my pre-final feelings. I was happy to have a chance to play in my first final because, for sure, it will affect my career. My ranking will go up, and if I win, my goal will be accomplished. But I couldn't quite feel relaxed.

This is why I work with a sports psychologist. We speak about different situations that can come up during a match, how I'm feeling and how I can work to stay in the moment.

For example, if I feel distracted, I'll tell myself a keyword or go through a routine that will bring me back to the present. Or if I feel fear, I'll try to find out why I'm feeling that way.

Usually I feel scared or worried because I'm not in the present moment – I'm thinking about what the consequences might be if I lose.

But, because of my psychologist's help, I can quickly – in a matter of a seconds – return to the present.

I went through this process multiple times in all my matches in Rio, including when I played Dominic Thiem, a matchup that made my coach cringe.

He felt like I was playing so good in practice and was sad that I'd have to play Thiem, one of the best players in the world. But, as I've tried to do all of my life, I looked at it positively. Maybe this was a good moment to play the top seed.

Three matches later, I was in the Rio final, and after 41 minutes, as I sat down for the break, I could breathe a little easier.

**

In 2017, five years after my mom died, I was having the best year of my career. Our new family of three – my dad, sister and I – had managed to recover from losing my mom, and on the court, I had never played better.

I made five ATP Challenger Tour finals, and won one of them, my first Challenger title. My ranking had jumped almost 100 spots. For the first time, I was set to finish the year inside the Top 100.

I felt like all the work my coaches, my dad and I had done was paying off. Although my dad was never officially my “coach”, he was always helping me like a coach would and guiding my career.

He laid out my schedule, and together, we'd sit down and decide which tournaments I'd play and when.

He handled the travel logistics, buying airplane tickets or deciding the best way to get there. He came to most of my matches, too. I can still see him pumping his fist when I played the 2017 Roland Garros qualifying.

I always felt his support when he was there, but even when he couldn't come, I knew he was watching. After a match, I'd open up my phone and, win or lose, the first thing I'd see would be a text message from him.

“Great work!” “Very good job!” “Congrats!” he'd say if I won.

If I lost, he'd encourage me: “Your game is good, just continue, everything is alright.”

To end my 2017 season, I lost in qualifying at the Rolex Paris Masters. I headed home for the beginning of my off-season, a period of relaxation before heavy training. I was so grateful to be able to spend time with my sister and father.

But after a few days, we learned everything was changing again. My dad had cancer. Colon cancer. The same as my mother. The dreaded thoughts raced into my head once more: Why is this happening to me? Why are things going like this? As if losing one parent wasn't enough?

The pain stayed with me for weeks, months. It never completely goes away, to be honest.

But, this time, I also felt something different. I felt a big responsibility to my sister and father. My dad was the head of the family, and I was next in line, so I had to be strong. I had to be there for them.

The tennis life – with constant travel and matches – is complicated enough, but the next 13 months were a blur.

I was practising and traveling just as much, and when I got home, I wanted to rest, but I tried to go to the doctor with my dad or research his diagnosis or make phone calls about it.

I wanted to try to help him as much as I could to show him love and support. I wanted to spend time with him and sit next to him. I gave everything I could, at least, I hope so.

The worst part about that terrible time was that it ended. My dad went through radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Nothing worked. He died in December 2018. He was 55.

And here I was, 23, without parents.

**

You never know what you're going to feel when your dream comes true. You spend hours thinking about the moment, envisioning yourself winning the final point and lifting the trophy. But how will it feel?

The moment Felix hit a forehand into the net on my fifth championship point, I felt relief.

I dropped my racquet, covered my face, puffed out my chest. I couldn't believe what was happening. I pointed to the sky, where my parents were watching.

<a href='/en/players/laslo-djere/db63/overview'>Laslo Djere</a> beats Auger-Aliassime to win the <a href='/en/tournaments/rio-de-janeiro/6932/overview'>Rio Open presented by Claro</a>
Djere wins his first ATP Tour title in Rio. (Photo: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

Jumping around on court and waving to the crowd, I could feel my eyes well up. The trophy ceremony followed.

“I want to dedicate this trophy to my parents. I lost my mom seven years ago so I want to dedicate this one to her,” I said, as the crowd showed me so much support. “And also to my dad, I lost him two months ago... My parents had the biggest impact on me, and because of them I am who I am today.”

The response since I first shared my story has been overwhelming. People, including my countryman Novak Djokovic, supported me on Twitter – so I heard, I'm not on Twitter yet – and others shared nice words in person, including Nick Kyrgios, who, the first time he saw me in Indian Wells, came up from behind me and gave me a big hug.

I didn't plan on mentioning my parents during the ceremony, but I feel a responsibility to share my story. I felt strong enough to push through their deaths, and I hope that I can be an example for others who are going through tough times.

You May Also Like: Djere Holds Off Felix For Maiden Title
If you believe and you try really hard, better times will come, and you can achieve amazing things if you are strong enough. If I can do it, then I'm sure anybody can do it.

I think of my parents every day. They shaped who I am, inwardly – how I treat people, how I go about my days – and outwardly – what I do with my time.

I play tennis because of my dad, and I relax through baking – cinnamon buns, apple crumble and chocolate brownies with almonds are some of my favourites – because of my mom's side of the family.

Good has come out of my struggle. I know my purpose in life. I have to play tennis and continue the work my family started with me 20 years ago.

Although, because I've been through so much, I sometimes feel as if I'm 50 years old, I know that I'm not the unluckiest person on Earth. Many other people struggle and have problems. It's not easy for anyone.

I just have to continue my life. I miss my dad's text messages after matches, and I miss my mom's love and support. Life would be easier with them.

But I know that my time will also come. We are not here forever, not one of us, and I just want to use the time while I'm here in a positive way and do as much good as I can.

I will see my parents again, whether I want to or not. But while I'm here, I just want to make sure I give all that I can and make them proud.

- as told to Jonathon Braden

Read Other My Point Stories

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/laslo-d ... -have-hope

[Kamileki]

[Kamileki]

[Damian]

Serbian Success: Djere Captures Sardinia Crown

Spoiler:

Djere claims second ATP Tour title

Laslo Djere became the third Serbian to capture a tour-level trophy in 2020 on Sunday, claiming his second ATP Tour crown with a 7-6(3), 7-5 victory against Marco Cecchinato at the Forte Village Sardegna Open.

The 25-year-old joined countrymen Novak Djokovic (4) and Miomir Kecmanovic (1) to take his nation’s trophy haul to six titles this year after two hours and 19 minutes. Serbian players own a 6-1 record in championship matches this season and Djokovic also led Team Serbia to the inaugural ATP Cup trophy in January..

“Serbia has quite a few [players] in the Top 100 at the moment, which is not that usual because we are [from] a small country,” said Djere. “Having five guys in the Top 100 is a really good feeling and motivating. When you see the other guys winning, you really believe you can also do it and there is also that rivalry but in a positive way. You want to be better than the others and you are pushing each other more and more. That is great.”

Serbia's 2020 Success Story

Champion Title(s) Event(s)
Team Serbia 1 ATP Cup
Novak Djokovic 4 Australian Open
Dubai
W&S Open
Rome
Miomir Kecmanovic 1 Kitzbühel
Laslo Djere 1 Sardinia
Eleven of Djere’s 13 tour-level victories this year have come on clay. Prior to his title run in Sardinia, the World No. 74 reached semi-finals on the surface in Cordoba and Kitzbühel. Djere has captured both his ATP Tour trophies at clay events, with his only previous triumph coming at last year’s Rio Open presented by Claro.

“I grew up on clay. When I was a kid, I mostly practised on clay. It is natural for me,” said Djere. “The movements are natural for me. The surface complements my game style. I play with a lot of topspin, especially on the forehand so I can adapt really fast on clay.

“My main focus is to improve my game on hard courts. So far it is improving, but it could be better. I wish [the improvement] was a little bit faster and I hope I can find a way to be as good on hard courts as on clay.”

Cecchinato was attempting to become the first Italian to triumph at a home ATP Tour event since Filippo Volandri’s 2006 title run in Palermo. The 28-year-old saved match point in his first-round match against Gianluca Mager en route to his fourth tour-level championship match (3-1).

“When you lose a final it is a tough moment, but I leave here with so many positive things because now I am coming back to the Top 100,” said Cecchinato. “I am very happy for this… I stayed very focussed on my game during the match from the first to the last point. There are so many positive things from the past few weeks.”

Watch Live

After trading breaks to open the final, a tie-break was required to decide the outcome of the first set. Djere concentrated his attack on Cecchinato’s backhand, extracting four errors in the opening six points to gain an commanding lead. The Serbian closed the set with a pinpoint backhand winner up the line.

Djere began to dictate rallies with his forehand in the second set and held two game points for a 3-0 lead, but Cecchinato continued to battle from the back of the court to find his way back into the match. Despite committing an increased number of errors, Djere maintained his forehand aggression to move closer to victory. Cecchinato attempted to close the net when serving at 5-6, but Djere found the target with two passing shot winners and a deep backhand return to take the title.

"It was a very tough match," said Djere. "I had to invest a lot of effort and strength... This match really took a lot out of me but I am happy that I pushed through it and was able to finish the match and win it at the end."

Djere earned 250 FedEx ATP Rankings points and €13,320. Cecchinato collected 150 points and €11,130.

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/djere-c ... nday-final

[Damian]

My Point: Laslo Djere Is Without Parents, But Not Without Hope

Spoiler:

If you believe and you try really hard, better times will come
Editor's Note: Laslo Djere won his second ATP Tour title on Sunday at the Forte Village Sardegna Open. This story was originally published on 13 April 2019.

You're supposed to be calm and confident before the biggest moment of your life, right? I was not. I was a bundle of nerves.

Was I really playing in my first ATP Tour final, only two months after one of the worst days of my life?

I wasn't nervous because of doubts – I thought I could win my first ATP Tour title. But when I walked onto centre court in Rio, with the sun shining and the fans cheering, my mind was everywhere.

What are my parents thinking? What would they say to me? Is my dad, the man who had been there for every step of my career, pleased? It didn't matter how many times I tried to refocus on the present, I couldn't bring myself to completely focus on the match.

All my life, my parents and I had worked for this moment. Since I was five, my dad had taught me so much about tennis – always traveling with me, teaching me, helping me. Until a few months ago, nearly every memory I had about the sport starred my father.

But life changes quickly, and I've had to learn to appreciate everything, including opportunities as rare as a final at the ATP 500 level.

From the back of the court, I steadied my thoughts and focused on my routines. “Felix Auger-Aliassime to serve,” Mohamed Lahyani, the chair umpire, said.

Even with all my nervous energy, I had a measure of peace about the final. I knew that, even though my parents weren't in the stadium that night, they were watching.

<a href='/en/players/laslo-djere/db63/overview'>Laslo Djere</a>
Djere had never reached an ATP Tour final before Rio in February. (Photo: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

**

My father, Caba, had no dreams of having a professional tennis player as a son. He loved football and played for the local club in Senta, my hometown in Serbia.

But when I was five, his passion for tennis made him want to learn how to play. My dad had watched the icons of my early childhood – Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Goran Ivanisevic, from neighboring Croatia – and had become a dedicated fan.

The day he started to learn, I did, too. I walked with him to the clay courts, and they gave me a racquet and a ball, and I hit against the wall.

Eventually, I started to practise and, after about two years of working with a coach and my father, they saw that I was quite good. I liked it as well, so my dad and I started traveling to tennis tournaments all across my country.

At least three weekends a month, we'd drive across Serbia, to Belgrade, Novi Sad, Pančevo, Kraljevo, Subotica and Kikinda. My dad would drive and I'd lie in the back, sleeping. We'd stay Saturday, Sunday and, if I made the final, Monday.

When you're a kid starting in a sport, wins mean more to you than they should, and losses hurt more than you can imagine. But my dad always tried to keep me level. He'd console me when I lost and encourage me when I won.

My childhood, however, wasn't all about tennis. I can remember when I was really little, visiting my grandmother's, my mom's mom.

My grandmother would always knead dough and make pasta, and when we visited, she would give my sister, Judit, and I a piece of dough – but like play-doh – so we could play along. We'd knead, cut and fold the “dough”, but never eat it. I didn't know it at the time, but, during those trips, my love for baking was born.

My tennis career, by the time I was 15, was also progressing. Then I found out my mom, Hajnalka, had cancer. It had started in her colon, and by the time she was diagnosed, in November 2010, the cancer was already metastatic.

Seventeen months later, she died. She was 44. I was 16 and without a mom.

<a href='/en/players/laslo-djere/db63/overview'>Laslo Djere</a> and his sister Judit

Djere and his sister, Judit, have always been close. (Photo: Laslo Djere)
**

In Rio, neither Felix nor I had played our best in the first set. But after five breaks, I settled down and added one more to take the first set.

My early play matched my pre-final feelings. I was happy to have a chance to play in my first final because, for sure, it will affect my career. My ranking will go up, and if I win, my goal will be accomplished. But I couldn't quite feel relaxed.

This is why I work with a sports psychologist. We speak about different situations that can come up during a match, how I'm feeling and how I can work to stay in the moment.

For example, if I feel distracted, I'll tell myself a keyword or go through a routine that will bring me back to the present. Or if I feel fear, I'll try to find out why I'm feeling that way.

Usually I feel scared or worried because I'm not in the present moment – I'm thinking about what the consequences might be if I lose.

But, because of my psychologist's help, I can quickly – in a matter of a seconds – return to the present.

I went through this process multiple times in all my matches in Rio, including when I played Dominic Thiem, a matchup that made my coach cringe.

He felt like I was playing so good in practice and was sad that I'd have to play Thiem, one of the best players in the world. But, as I've tried to do all of my life, I looked at it positively. Maybe this was a good moment to play the top seed.

Three matches later, I was in the Rio final, and after 41 minutes, as I sat down for the break, I could breathe a little easier.

**

In 2017, five years after my mom died, I was having the best year of my career. Our new family of three – my dad, sister and I – had managed to recover from losing my mom, and on the court, I had never played better.

I made five ATP Challenger Tour finals, and won one of them, my first Challenger title. My ranking had jumped almost 100 spots. For the first time, I was set to finish the year inside the Top 100.

I felt like all the work my coaches, my dad and I had done was paying off. Although my dad was never officially my “coach”, he was always helping me like a coach would and guiding my career.

He laid out my schedule, and together, we'd sit down and decide which tournaments I'd play and when.

He handled the travel logistics, buying airplane tickets or deciding the best way to get there. He came to most of my matches, too. I can still see him pumping his fist when I played the 2017 Roland Garros qualifying.

I always felt his support when he was there, but even when he couldn't come, I knew he was watching. After a match, I'd open up my phone and, win or lose, the first thing I'd see would be a text message from him.

“Great work!” “Very good job!” “Congrats!” he'd say if I won.

If I lost, he'd encourage me: “Your game is good, just continue, everything is alright.”

To end my 2017 season, I lost in qualifying at the Rolex Paris Masters. I headed home for the beginning of my off-season, a period of relaxation before heavy training. I was so grateful to be able to spend time with my sister and father.

But after a few days, we learned everything was changing again. My dad had cancer. Colon cancer. The same as my mother. The dreaded thoughts raced into my head once more: Why is this happening to me? Why are things going like this? As if losing one parent wasn't enough?

The pain stayed with me for weeks, months. It never completely goes away, to be honest.

But, this time, I also felt something different. I felt a big responsibility to my sister and father. My dad was the head of the family, and I was next in line, so I had to be strong. I had to be there for them.

The tennis life – with constant travel and matches – is complicated enough, but the next 13 months were a blur.

I was practising and traveling just as much, and when I got home, I wanted to rest, but I tried to go to the doctor with my dad or research his diagnosis or make phone calls about it.

I wanted to try to help him as much as I could to show him love and support. I wanted to spend time with him and sit next to him. I gave everything I could, at least, I hope so.

The worst part about that terrible time was that it ended. My dad went through radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Nothing worked. He died in December 2018. He was 55.

And here I was, 23, without parents.

**

You never know what you're going to feel when your dream comes true. You spend hours thinking about the moment, envisioning yourself winning the final point and lifting the trophy. But how will it feel?

The moment Felix hit a forehand into the net on my fifth championship point, I felt relief.

I dropped my racquet, covered my face, puffed out my chest. I couldn't believe what was happening. I pointed to the sky, where my parents were watching.

<a href='/en/players/laslo-djere/db63/overview'>Laslo Djere</a> beats Auger-Aliassime to win the <a href='/en/tournaments/rio-de-janeiro/6932/overview'>Rio Open presented by Claro</a>
Djere wins his first ATP Tour title in Rio. (Photo: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

Jumping around on court and waving to the crowd, I could feel my eyes well up. The trophy ceremony followed.

“I want to dedicate this trophy to my parents. I lost my mom seven years ago so I want to dedicate this one to her,” I said, as the crowd showed me so much support. “And also to my dad, I lost him two months ago... My parents had the biggest impact on me, and because of them I am who I am today.”

The response since I first shared my story has been overwhelming. People, including my countryman Novak Djokovic, supported me on Twitter – so I heard, I'm not on Twitter yet – and others shared nice words in person, including Nick Kyrgios, who, the first time he saw me in Indian Wells, came up from behind me and gave me a big hug.

I didn't plan on mentioning my parents during the ceremony, but I feel a responsibility to share my story. I felt strong enough to push through their deaths, and I hope that I can be an example for others who are going through tough times.

You May Also Like: Djere Holds Off Felix For Maiden Title
If you believe and you try really hard, better times will come, and you can achieve amazing things if you are strong enough. If I can do it, then I'm sure anybody can do it.

I think of my parents every day. They shaped who I am, inwardly – how I treat people, how I go about my days – and outwardly – what I do with my time.

I play tennis because of my dad, and I relax through baking – cinnamon buns, apple crumble and chocolate brownies with almonds are some of my favourites – because of my mom's side of the family.

Good has come out of my struggle. I know my purpose in life. I have to play tennis and continue the work my family started with me 20 years ago.

Although, because I've been through so much, I sometimes feel as if I'm 50 years old, I know that I'm not the unluckiest person on Earth. Many other people struggle and have problems. It's not easy for anyone.

I just have to continue my life. I miss my dad's text messages after matches, and I miss my mom's love and support. Life would be easier with them.

But I know that my time will also come. We are not here forever, not one of us, and I just want to use the time while I'm here in a positive way and do as much good as I can.

I will see my parents again, whether I want to or not. But while I'm here, I just want to make sure I give all that I can and make them proud.

- as told to Jonathon Braden

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/laslo-d ... -have-hope

[Lucas]

[Lucas]

#2) Sardynia 2020


tennis now

R1 [Q] Sumit Nagal 63 61
R2 [2] Dusan Lajović 64 75
QF Jiri Vesely 64 64
SF [WC] Lorenzo Musetti 26 62 41 i krecz
W [WC] Marco Cecchinato 76(3) 75

[arti]

[Kamileki]