WATCH: Novak Djokovic gets flooded by fans for photos as he attends Red Star’s Euroleague debut

Djokovic will return to the tour at Paris Masters.

WATCH: Novak Djokovic gets flooded by fans for photos as he attends Red Star’s Euroleague debut

Novak Djokovic in attendance at Red Star's Euroleague debut (Credit : Euroleague)

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is enjoying his time away from the sport as he attended Red Star Basketball club‘s start to their 2023-24 Euroleague campaign at the Stark Arena in Belgrade on Thursday. The Serb received a rousing reception from a jam-packed arena and was swarmed by fans trying to get a selfie with him. The side from Belgrade took an early lead in the table as they defeated Lyon-Villeurbanne 94-73.

Also in attendance was Red Star’s former player Borisa Simanic, who made his first public appearance since his horrific injury while playing for the Serbian National team. On August 30 2023, while playing against South Sudan in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Simanić was struck in the kidney by Nuni Omot while defending the basket. This blow resulted in a major injury which required his kidney to be removed. On spotting him court-side, Djokovic went on to give him a hug mid-match.

YouTube video

The tennis World No.1 is not new to the basketball scene as he has often spoken about his admiration for his compatriot Nikola Jokic and his late friend Kobe Bryant. The 36-year-old joined the Serbian basketball team in celebrating their silver medal in the World Cup and his own historic triumph at the 2023 US Open. He was welcomed by thousands of fans who lined up in Belgrade’s city hall.

FS Video

Novak had earlier paid tribute to his friend Kobe as he wore a ‘Mamba Forever‘ shirt with an image of him next to Bryant during the trophy presentation ceremony at the US Open.

On Wednesday, Djokovic was spotted in the stands during a UEFA Champions League group stage match between Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys at the Rajko Mitic Stadium. The match ended in a 2-2 draw as Osman Bukari equalized late on in the game to salvage a point for the Serbian side.

Keep Exploring: Alexis Ohanian shares his ‘heartbreaking’ thoughts on NFL icon Barry Sanders’ upcoming Amazon documentary ‘Bye Bye Barry’

Novak Djokovic to return to the tour at Paris Masters

Djokovic recently took part in the Ryder Cup celebrity all-star match. Speaking to SkySports on the sidelines of the competition, the Serb discussed his plans for the rest of the year. He confirmed his participation in the Paris Masters, which begins on October 28. The 36-year-old has set the tournament record six times. In the last edition of the tournament, in 2022, he was defeated by the Norwegian Holger Rune in a close 3-setter.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic with the US Open title (Credits: Imago)

The Serb also expressed his desire to go all the way with Serbia at the Davis Cup. The 36-year-old helped Serbia reach the Davis Cup last 8 to be played in Malaga in November. He continued his winning ways with a 6-3, 6-4 Davis Cup win against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Djokovic’s victory in Valencia clinched the tie for Serbia. Novak has previously lifted the Davis Cup trophy for Serbia in 2010.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion also confirmed his participation in the ATP Finals to be played in Turin, Italy. Djokovic has lifted the year-end championship a joint record, alongside Roger Federer, 6 times.

In case you missed it :