Novak Djokovic to kick off Banja Luka campaign against French teenager Luca Van Assche

For a tennis player who’s seen (and won) pretty much everything, playing an ATP event in a new city can be refreshing—especially when they’ve been given such a warm welcome.

And that’s exactly how Novak Djokovic feels about playing the Srpska Open in Banja Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina this week.

“It is wonderful to be here. Thank you for welcoming us in such a great mood,” he told a packed room of about 100 reporters, photographers and cameramen during his pre-tournament press conference.

“This is the first time I will be playing in Banja Luka as a professional tennis player. It’s a new and unique experience for me. I’m glad to be able to play here. I remember an exhibition game with Viktor Troicki in Banja Luka—it was one of the greatest atmospheres ever. We were welcomed in the sports hall in the best possible way, the same as now.

“I’ve wanted to play an official match here since then, and now I finally have an opportunity to do so, and I’m very glad.”

Djokovic is also looking forward to bouncing back after falling in the round of 16 in Monte Carlo last week—he actually led Lorenzo Musetti in that match, 6-4, 4-2, before ultimately falling in three tough sets.

“One of the good things in tennis is that you get a new opportunity to prove your worth every week and take a step forward. I’ve turned over a new leaf,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion commented.

“Naturally, I wasn’t satisfied with the result in Monte Carlo. But, ever since I landed, I’ve felt welcomed in Banja Luka, a lot of positive energy and positive emotions. I was hoping for something similar but this exceeds my expectations. For all of us professional athletes, one of the best places to compete. I feel at home here. Not as a guest.”

Djokovic also addressed his elbow, which was giving him some trouble during his time in Monte Carlo: “My elbow is not in an ideal shape, but good enough to be ready for the first match," he said.

Speaking of Djokovic’s first match, most people were expecting it to be against Stan Wawrinka—but instead, he’ll face French teenager Luca Van Assche, who took out the three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 3 in the first round on Monday, 1-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4.

Wawrinka had his chances. After cruising through the first set, not only did he have a break point with Van Assche serving at 3-all in the second set, but he then had four more break points—including triple break point at 0-40—when he served at 5-all a few games later. After dropping that second set, Wawrinka even had a 3-1 lead in the third.

But Van Assche dug it out, and now gets the ultimate test.

“Novak is a true champion, not only in tennis but in sports in general,” the 18-year-old said. “It will be an incredible match. I know I’ll have to give it my all to win. I grew up watching Novak’s matches.

"It’s a privilege to play against him.”

Djokovic was asked about the upcoming match-up.

“I don’t know much about the young French player—I thought Wawrinka would win the match,” he said. “I saw him play but not for long. He is a real fighter, fast, it’s difficult to get past him.

“No one should be underestimated.”