WATCH: Emotional Laslo Djere dedicates ATP title to parents he lost to cancer
Laslo Djere capped off a brilliant run at the Rio Open with his maiden ATP Tour singles title and then delivered an amazing acceptance speech dedicated to his parents, whom he lost to cancer.
The Serb beat Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada 6-3, 7-5 in two hours to win the ATP World Tour 500 tournament.
A moment Laslo Djere will never forget 🏆#RioOpen pic.twitter.com/jXfA3g4SKG
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 24, 2019
There were six breaks of serve in the first set with Djere leading it 4-2, but he found himself behind early in the second set as the 18-year-old Auger-Aliassime broke in game one.
However, he was back on level terms five games later and then claimed the crucial break in game 12 as he won on his fifth match point.
The 23-year-old struggled during his speech as he dedicated it to his parents.
“I want to dedicated this trophy to my parents. I lost my mom seven years ago so I want to dedicate this one to her,” he said.
“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. I hope they are watching me now.”
“I lost my mom seven years ago and I want to dedicate this one to her. And also to my dad, I lost him two months ago.”
❤️👏😭#RioOpen pic.twitter.com/yP2qcVNJyd
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 24, 2019
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