Novak Djokovic joins Serbian NT celebration: 'This is a dream come true for me' / News - Basketnews.com

Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic joins the Serbian national team in a heartwarming celebration in Belgrade, expressing gratitude, childhood dreams, and a strong sense of national pride.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The world's best tennis player, Novak Djokovic, recently joined the Serbian national basketball team on the iconic balcony of the Old Palace (Stari dvor) in Belgrade.

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It was a special moment, as he not only celebrated Serbia's silver medal achievement at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 but also his 24th Grand Slam victory at the US Open.

In his speech, Djokovic expressed his gratitude and awe at the overwhelming turnout of the Serbian people. Novak began by extending his heartfelt congratulations to the basketball champions of Serbia, both past and present.

He also appreciated the Serbian national team's generosity in welcoming him into their celebration and allowing him to share in the joy of their victory.

"There are rare moments when I am speechless, and this is one of them," he told the crowd. "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 then took a moment to honor Serbian NT power forward Borisa Simanic, who lost his kidney during the FIBA World Cup after an injury suffered in a game against South Sudan.

"Borisa is the hero of the nation and deserves to be chanted by everyone: Borisa, Borisa, Borisa!" Djokovic started the chants.

In closing, Novak expressed his deep gratitude to everyone and shared that he had so much to say but didn't want to keep them waiting with a lengthy speech. He just wanted to join in the celebration.

In his final words, Djokovic declared, "No nation is like us, long live Serbia!"

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