VIDEO: Novak Djokovic trains at home in Belgrade ahead of Serbia Open

After an early exit at the Monte Carlo Masters, world no. 1 Novak Djokovic went home to Serbia, where he leads the field of the fifth Serbia Open this week.

Novak made a winning start of the season in Melbourne, scoring two wins for Serbia at the ATP Cup and defending the Australian Open title to celebrate for the ninth time at Melbourne Park. Novak suffered an abdominal injury in the third round against Taylor Fritz, prevailing in five sets and struggling in the next two matches against Milos Raonic and Alexander Zverev, unable to train ahead of those encounters.

Still, the Serb passed both rivals in four sets to reach the semi-final, feeling better and toppling Aslan Karatsev and Daniil Medvedev for his 18th Major crown.

Skipping the upcoming events to recover from the injury, Novak returned to the court last week in Monte Carlo, seeking a strong start of the clay season and beating the young Italian gun Jannik Sinner in the opening match. Out of a sudden, Daniel Evans stunned the world's leading player in the third round, prevailing 6-4, 7-5 to send Djokovic packing.

Novak took the first flight to his native Belgrade, leading the field at this week's Serbia Open and seeking the third title after 2009 and 2011. On Sunday, Novak trained at his Novak Djokovic Tennis Center, preparing for his first match and seeking the second title of the season.