World number one Novak Djokovic was brought to tears after he bowed out of his Adria Tour with victory over German Alexander Zverev in front of home fans.
The 4-0 1-4 4-2 win sent fellow Serb Filip Krajinovic into the final.
Djokovic’s event – the first elite men’s tennis since it was suspended by coronavirus – attracted 4,000 fans.
“I am just overwhelmed by emotion because this reminds me of my childhood,” he said as the Belgrade crowd gave him a standing ovation.
“It’s been an emotional few days and I want to thank everyone who made this possible. The important thing after this match is that we have one of our own in the final. I love you all and thank you so much for turning up.”
Krajinovic later lost to Austrian world number three Dominic Thiem 4-3 2-4 4-2 in the final.
Djokovic, 33, set up the tournament to help players get back to match fitness after several weeks without competition.
Players were split into two groups of eight and played each other in a round-robin format, with the two group leaders competing in a final later on Sunday.