Djokovic Wins Balkan Athlete Of The Year For An Unprecedented Eighth Time

| by Jordan Reynolds

Novak Djokovic has racked up yet another accolade by claiming an award for an amazing eighth occasion.

Djokovic is currently busy defending his Australian Open crown. It is the Serbian's most successful Grand Slam, with an extraordinary ten titles to his name in Melbourne after finding consistent success at the tournament throughout his career.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion began his campaign at the 2024 Australian Open with a hard-fought victory against the impressive Dino Prizmic, although Djokovic did admit to feeling under the weather during the contest.

Djokovic is set to play Alexei Popyrin, who is a huge server, next at the Australian Open. The 36-year-old will be focused on that challenge and, as always, will not let anything from the outside distract him from his mission in Melbourne.

However, Djokovic's magnificent 2023 season has now been recognized by the people in the Balkans, who have repeatedly demonstrated their respect for the Serbian's achievements in the past as well.

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AP reports that Djokovic has been named the 2023 Balkan Athlete of the Year for a record eighth time. NBA star Nikola Jokic was in second place, while Bulgarian basketball player Alexandar Vezenkov finished in third place.

The results of the poll for the award were provided by the Bulgarian News Agency. A total of 58 athletes received votes in the poll, but Djokovic was the comfortable winner.

Djokovic's 2023 season was one of the best in tennis history. He won three Grand Slams and the ATP Finals, and was just one set away from doing the calendar Grand Slam at Wimbledon. Achieving all that at any age is phenomenal, but doing it at the age of 36 is unprecedented in tennis history.

Winning more Grand Slams and a first Olympic gold medal will matter the most to Djokovic this year, but this recognition from the Balkan population is another boost for him.

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