WATCH: Tearful Djokovic Given Hero's Welcome On Belgrade Return

| by Nurein Ahmed

Fresh from winning a record-tying 24th Grand Slam at the US Open, Novak Djokovic was given a proper coronation in his home city of Belgrade.

Serbians gathered in thousands in front of the iconic balcony of the Old Palace (Stavi dor) where Djokovic, seemingly overwhelmed by emotions broke down in tears as he stood at the balcony hoisting the US Open trophy, which he won last Sunday following his straight-sets win over Daniil Medvedev in the final.

Djokovic was in the presence of Serbia's basketball team who arrived on the scene following their own finals appearance at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup where they finished runners-up to Germany and brought home silver medals.

The 36-year-old tennis legend was given the microphone to address an exuberant and raucous crowd. Djokovic could not contain his emotions while speaking in front of a massive congregation. He began his speech by thanking the crowd and acknowledging the past and present sporting athletes of his country.

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He was grateful for the opportunity to grace the famous balcony after being invited to the stage by the Serbian basketball team which Djokovic takes a keen interest in following them when away from the tennis courts.

"There are rare moments when I am speechless, and this is one of them. This is a childhood dream come true for me. Like many of my generation, I was there to relish the previous successes of various sports teams, including water polo and basketball. This is a great honor for me; this is priceless, and this feeling will never happen again."

"I stand here with great athletes and, above all, good people with whom I have a good connection. I told them a little while ago that I also felt their harmony and that moment of humanity."

Djokovic will be a busy fixture this week. Having honored media commitments and basked in glory at his latest triumph, he will look to play an integral role in Serbian's qualification for the Davis Cup Finals when he travels to Spain probably in a day or two before he plays his first match on Friday.

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