Denis Shapovalov has grown strong connections with the Serbian capital of Belgrade. The Canadian claimed his second ATP title in Belgrade last Saturday, receiving the trophy from Novak Djokovic. Also, Shapovalov will start the 2025 season with the Belgrade native Janko Tipsarevic in his coaching box.

Denis and Janko did a trial in Basel and will work during the off-season before heading to Australia. During his great week in Belgrade, the Canadian recalled watching Djokovic and Tipsarevic battling in the 2012 Canada Masters semi-final in Toronto. The 13-year-old enjoyed a nice battle between two Serbs, with Novak scoring a win en route to his 21st Masters 1000 final.

13-year-old Shapovalov watches Djokovic and Tipsarevic in Toronto

Novak and Janko fought for a place in the 2012 Canada Masters final, and the favorite won 6-4, 6-1 in an hour and 46 minutes. Two great friends battled for the seventh and last time, and Djokovic defeated Tipsarevic for the fifth time. World no. 2 dominated with his first serve while struggling on the second, playing against seven break points. He denied them and delivered three breaks to control the scoreboard, ending the rival’s resistance in the second set to remain on the title course. Novak landed 21 winners and unforced errors and welcomed 30 unforced mistakes from his opponent.

Janko Tipsarevic, Toronto 2012© Stream screenshot

Djokovic closed his opening three service games with winners before the rain sent them off the court. Tipsarevic faced a break point when they returned and denied a break point with a service winner. Novak struggled behind the initial shot in the seventh game, playing against three break points.

He saved the opening two with winners, and Janko squandered the third, missing a chance to move in front. The older Serb landed a service winner in the eighth game, locking the result at 4-4. Djokovic secured the ninth game with a forehand winner and extended the next one after an extended exchange.

Novak Djokovic & Janko Tipsarevic, Toronto 2012

World no. 2 created a set point and converted it after Tipsarevic’s backhand error for 6-4 in 59 minutes. Novak held at love two times at the beginning of the second set, keeping the pressure on the other side. Janko suffered a break in the fourth game after netting a backhand, smashing his racquet in anger.

The better-ranked player held in the fifth game to open a 4-1 gap and made another push on the return in the next one. He wasted a break point and denied the rival’s game points before converting the second break point after a forced error, moving 5-1 up and serving for the win. Novak faced four break points in the seventh game, fending off three with winners and landing two direct points to seal the deal and move into the title clash.

Novak Djokovic, Toronto 2012