rediff.com
News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » Sports » Wimbledon king Djokovic gets hero's welcome
This article was first published 13 years ago

Wimbledon king Djokovic gets hero's welcome

Last updated on: July 5, 2011 13:24 IST

Image: Supporters gather to celebrate Novak Djokovic's arrival in Belgrade on Monday
Photographs: Reuters

Some 100,000 Serbian tennis fans gave Novak Djokovic a royal reception in central Belgrade on Monday after the 24-year-old arrived home to celebrate winning his first Wimbledon title.

Djokovic, who leapt to the top of the ATP rankings in the process, was greeted by a deafening roar as he arrived in an open-top bus which took hours to reach the Serbian parliament square from the airport.

Traffic on the main motorway ground to a halt as fans got out of their cars to salute Serbia's most popular athlete, whose entire family paraded alongside him on a giant stage where rock bands entertained the crowd.

'I dedicate this trophy to you'

Image: Novak Djokovic greets supporters upon arrival in Belgrade on Monday
Photographs: Reuters

"This is absolutely unbelievable and I owe all of you eternal gratitude for this reception," an elated Djokovic said as he held aloft the trophy he won with an emphatic four-set win over Spaniard Rafa Nadal in Sunday's final.

"The time has come to bare all my emotions to you and all I can say is that you are the best in the world because only Serbian fans can throw a party like this.

"You have made the happiest day of my life even better and I dedicate this trophy to you," said Djokovic, who will lead Davis Cup holders Serbia in their quarter-final tie away to Sweden next weekend.

'We have a soul that is second to none'

Image: Novak Djokovic greets supporters upon arrival in Belgrade on Monday
Photographs: Reuters

"We have a soul that is second to none and with the team event coming up, I can promise you we will do everything in our power to win it all again," he added.

Djokovic and his two younger brothers then joined rock, pop and folk bands on stage in singing local chartbusters, as fans lit flares and waved Serbian flags.

Some of them produced banners taunting Nadal, who relinquished the world number one spot to his fierce rival.

'Young people draw inspiration from his accomplishments'

Image: A girl waves the Serbian flag to celebrate Novak Djokovic's arrival in Belgrade on Monday
Photographs: Reuters

"Are you watching this from Madrid, Rafa, and keep practising that backhand of yours," said one of them.

The frenzy culminated when Djokovic and his family engaged in a traditional Serbian folk dance as fireworks lit the skies above Belgrade on a warm evening.

"Young people are here in droves because they look up to this extraordinary young man and draw inspiration from his accomplishments," said former Davis Cup coach Radmilo Armenulic.

"He is a role model and a true champion, finding the strength and willpower in his family and close friends, which is the best way to keep your life on the rails.

'Djokovic's triumph most remarkable achievement in Serbia's history'

Image: Novak Djokovic poses with a cake decorated in the colours of the Serbian flag as he celebrates becoming the new World number one on Monday
Photographs: Getty Images

"As for his game, I am in no position to give him any advice because he is so superior on the court," said Armenulic.

Former handball international Igor Butulija added: "As a former top-level athlete I know how much more difficult it is to reach the top as an individual, hence Djokovic's triumph must stand as the most remarkable achievement in Serbia's history."

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.