Belgrade tournament replaces Amersfoort

Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic has succeeded in his bid to stage an ATP tournament in his home town of Belgrade from 2009.

"I am very excited that we are able to create an opportunity in Serbia to be part of the ATP World Tour," the world number three, who backed the bid in conjunction with his management group, said.

"Tennis is very popular in my country and we are happy that having (an) ATP event will help us show the world the beauty of Serbia."

Belgrade earned the right to host a claycourt tournament from May 4-10 next season after the ATP board approved the sale of the Dutch event in Amersfoort to the Serbian city.