“I felt a bit lonely after Australia” Novak Djokovic overwhelmed after receiving a hero’s welcome in Belgrade
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Novak Djokovic welcomed by fans in Belgrade
Champion at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, Novak Djokovic returned home with his 7th Wimbledon title and his 21st career Grand Slam title after a fantastic fortnight in London. The Serb continued his winning streak at the Grand Slam as he won his 4th consecutive title and is once again in contention to claim the most major record as he is now only 1 major away from matching Rafael Nadal‘s feat.
After a disappointing trip to Australia at the start of the year, Djokovic was massively affected and it showed when he returned to the action during the Clay season. While he did manage to win the 2022 Rome Masters, his title defence at the 2022 French Open ended in the quarter-finals at the hands of Nadal who went on to win the Grand Slam and race to 22 majors. The win in Wimbledon has seen Djokovic reduce the gap to 1 major now before he can match the Spaniard’s tally once again.
“Hope dies last”: Novak Djokovic on chances of playing the US Open and Australian Open
Djokovic’s arrival in Belgrade when he returned with his Wimbledon title was nothing short of a celebration and was overwhelmed with the support shown to him by his compatriots. On the famous balcony of Belgrade’s City Hall, Novak was greeted by thousands of his fans and the Serb displayed his trophy while thanking him for their support.
“Moments like this are worth living for, I will have this in my heart until the end of my life. You made my day, you made my year. I hope this is not the last time we meet here. I felt a bit lonely after Australia, but here (in Serbia) I have felt the love and support of my people. My favourite title is the next title,” said Djokovic quoting legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant
“As things stand now I cannot travel to Australia and the United States, but I am hoping to get positive news. I believe things will change for the Australian Open. For the US Open, there is not much time, but hope dies last. I would like to play at the US Open and Australian Open, but even if I do not it’s not the end of the world,” said Novak in comments reported by Dailymail.
With Djokovic staying adamant on his choice of being non-vaccinated against Covid-19, he is likely to miss the upcoming 2022 US Open as well due to the policy of the USA which requires foreign nationals to submit proof of vaccination. As for the Australian Open next year, he will be hoping to get his ban of 3 years revoked allowing him entry to the country as he is currently banned till 2025 as a result of his deportation earlier this year.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)