Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is one of the all-time greats of the sport. Djokovic recently won the US Open, adding one more major title to his evergrowing tally of Grand Slams. He has had a long and decorated career and has done more than enough to be called the pride of Serbia. Djokovic broke down in tears when he was welcomed home after creating history at the Flushing Meadows.
Novak now has 24 Grand Slams to his name, thus equaling Margaret Court’s record. This is an incredible accomplishment, and fans turned up in huge numbers to welcome him home.
The crowd cheered loudly for Novak and the Serbian basketball team, which won a silver medal in the FIBA World Cup. Djokovic was overwhelmed by the love and support he got, breaking down into tears, as his compatriots consoled him.
Omg, I can’t this 😢
Novak Djoković is in tears as his receives a heartwarming welcome in his hometown. Serbian National Team members are trying to console him ❤️@KSSrbije | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/HNPSbeZ0iB
— Novak Weekly Podcast (@NovakWeekly) September 12, 2023
Novak joined the Serbian basketball team on the famous balcony of the Old Palace (Stari Dvor) in Belgrade. “There are rare moments when I am speechless, and this is one of them. This is a childhood dream come true for me,” said an emotional Novak (via Daily Express).
Djokovic thanked the fans for their love and support. He stated that the US Open triumph was not his alone, but all of Serbia’s too. His speech was met with a deafening round of applause.
Novak Djokovic has had an incredible year. Barring Wimbledon, he has won the other three Grand Slams this year. Djokovic is also the new world number one, his reign at the top hitting 390 weeks already. His reception by his countrymen is a reflection of his dedication to taking tennis to greater heights.
Novak Djokovic has no plans of giving up just yet
At 36 years of age, Novak is still one of the fittest players around. In fact, he can give the younger players a run for their money. And he feels he can go on for a few more years.
Djokovic had a rare chance to become the first player since Rod Laver in 1969, to win the Calendar Slam in 2021. However, Daniil Medvedev dashed his dreams in the final of the US Open. Novak also had a chance this year, but Carlos Alcaraz was one barrier he could not overcome at Wimbledon. But he got his revenge on Medvedev in the US Open final this year.
Despite this, Djokovic has accomplished what others only dream of. He has no intentions of hanging up his racket just yet. “How long do I want to keep going? Knowing that I play at such a high level still and I win the biggest tournaments in this sport, yeah, I don’t want to get rid of this sport. I don’t want to leave this sport if I’m still at the top,” he said.
Novak Djokovic has long left his rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the title race. However, Djokovic will face stiff competition from the likes of Alcaraz in the coming years. Till the time he retires, Djokovic will always be a treat to watch.
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