was tasked with handing over the trophy at the Serbia Open as he continues an extended break from tennis. Denis Shapovalov overcame local hero Hamad Medjedovic but Djokovic was still the star attraction.

Shapovalov overcame the 21-year-old 6-4 6-4 in Belgrade to win his second ATP title. And he was delighted to receive the trophy from Djokovic after the match.

Tennis icon Djokovic, who won the tournament in 2009, was introduced to the crowd before being handed the trophy. The 37-year-old approached Shapovalov and congratulated the champion.

Djokovic has played in only two events since his disappointing third-round exit from the US Open. He reached the final of the Shanghai Masters but was defeated by Jannik Sinner, before losing against the Italian again in the Six Kings Slam.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has struggled with fitness issues this season. He gave little reason for pulling out of the Paris Masters towards the end of last month. Djokovic has also withdrawn from the ATP Finals despite qualifying as the world No. 5.

Fans will need to wait until next year to see Djokovic in action. He hopes to play in the first week of 2025 before attempting to win the 25th Grand Slam of his career at the Australian Open.

Djokovic said this week: "I will play in the first week of the year, although I still don't know where. And, logically, the Australian Open.

"I've said it a million times. And I would also be thrilled to play the Davis Cup."

Djokovic endured a tough year and failed to win a Grand Slam, the first year in which that has happened since 2017. His only title came at the Olympics with a thumping victory over Carlos Alcaraz, who had beaten Djokovic in the Wimbledon final only weeks prior.

The Serb said his first Olympic gold was the greatest achievement of his career.

Meanwhile, Shapovalov paid tribute to youngster Medjedovic after receiving the trophy from Djokovic. The Serbian tennis community will hope that the world No. 156 can carry the mantle once Djokovic decides to hang up his racket.

"It was extremely tough. Hamad has been playing extremely well and is a good young talent coming up," Shapovalov said.

"It has been a good season for me, just being healthy and back on court. It takes time to climb back up the rankings. A week like this will help a lot."