Novak Djokovic has played 50 matches around the world this season and has finally made his way back home. He was welcomed by thousands of fans at Belgrade’s old palace and was present with the Serbian Basketball team. The national basketball team won the 2023 FIBA World Cup silver medal. They had lost to Germany in the final. Djokovic could not control his emotions when he felt the crowd chanting his name.
Djokovic was crying uncontrollably as some fans felt he was not feeling the emotions. Fans accused him of showcasing his real feelings at the time. The world No.1 thanked the fans for their support as the other players hugged and supported him. Some fans did not like these incidents. “Fake tears as usual,” commented one fan after watching Djokovic in tears.
fake tears as usual
— Ryan (@FrontRowRyan) September 12, 2023
Fans also said that he was grabbing the attention when, in fact, it was the basketball players who deserved more. One of the fans commented, “He can be a comedian when he retires.. he made that whole farewell tour about him.. smh.” Most fans understood what Djokovic was going through and said he was genuinely emotional and happy in tears.
He can be a comedian when he retires.. he made that whole farewell tour about him.. smh
— Yann (@yann20011960) September 13, 2023
Even his ‘crying’ looks fake
— Phathu (@Phathu20) September 12, 2023
Certain fans have been unhappy since Djokovic won a record-breaking 24th grand slam title at the US Open. His status as the greatest of all time is becoming increasingly obvious with each victory.
His success and growth in the past few years have hurt fans. Djokovic said he is here to stay for a few more years, so these fans will get ready to suffer more pain in the coming years.
Novak Djokovic praises Serbia and his supporters
Djokovic has been used to crowds not being in favor of him. Whether it’s the US Open or Wimbledon, the 36-year-old is not used to being the favorite. But it’s not the same when he is at home as the crowd fully supports Djokovic. The four-time US Open champion thanked his supporters and showered praises on the basketball team for their recent success.
After congratulating the basketball team, Djokovic also honored Borisa Simanic, who had lost a kidney during the FIBA World Cup. Simanic underwent two surgeries, and his kidney was surgically removed. Siminac took an elbow from Nuni Omot in the game against South Sudan. Djokovic also spoke about his childhood dream of standing on the balcony of Belgrade’s old palace.
A clip of the moment an emotional Novak Djokovic stepped onto the iconic balcony of the Old Palace in Belgrade through the end of his speech.
“I want to conclude with this sentence: No sporting nation in the world has this spirit that we have. Long live Serbia!” — @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/m5tzBFIgNR
— Aleks Djuricic (@AleksDjuricic) September 12, 2023
Even though he was crying, Djokovic told the crowd that they have the strongest spirit in the sporting world and concluded his speech. Djokovic has had the perfect year at grand slams and will now look to extend his lead on top to end the season as the top-ranked player.
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