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Novak Djokovic attended his nephew’s baptism ceremony in Serbia on September 12, just a couple of days after his historic US Open 2023 win.
Djokovic returned to his home country to celebrate the win with his fans, friends and family. The celebrations also conincided with his brother's first wedding anniversary along with his nephew's baptism.
Djokovic’s brother Djordje married longtime partner Saska Veselinov on September 12, 2022. In January this year, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child. Their son, Aleksandar, was born in March 2023.
Both Novak and Jelena Djokovic were present for their nephew's christening, and were seen posing for pictures with their friends and family during the after-party. The couple was also captured forming a spontaneous chain as they showed off their dance moves, seemingly inspired by the traditional Serbian dance Kolo. They grooved to the well-known song ‘Bella Ciao.’
Novak Djokovic received a hero's welcome upon arriving in Serbia after the US Open
Novak Djokovic is arguably the greatest sportsperson in Serbian history. He is a household name in the country, and after each of his Grand Slam victories, Djokovic is greeted by a large number of fans in his hometown of Belgrade.
The reception he received after his 2023 US Open victory, which made him the Open Era leader in Grand Slams, was no different.
In addition to Djokovic's momentous win, the Serbians were also celebrating the national basketball team’s impressive silver medal finish at the FIBA World Cup.
Djokovic and the basketball team stood on the historic balcony of the Old Palace (Stari Dvor) in Belgrade and waved at the thousands of fans who came to cheer them on. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was seemingly overcome with emotion as chants of ‘Nole’ filled the area.
As part of the celebrations, the Belgrade tower was lit up with ‘24’ and ‘GOAT’ alongside a picture of Novak Djokovic holding the US Open trophy.
The World No. 1 has always been vocal about his devotion to his country, and the upbringing and culture which he says have made him the person he is. In his post-match press conference in New York, the Serb acknowledged his parents’ unceasing support despite the sacrifices they had to make while coming from a war-torn country like Serbia.
“Coming from a family with no tennis tradition, for a boy in Serbia going through sanctions and embargo, war-torn country, and being part of the very expensive and unaffordable, inaccessible sport, the odds were pretty much against me and my family,” he said.
Djokovic also emphasized the difficulty and hardship that his family had to endure over the years.
“But, you know, we did it. I say "we," because I owe a lot to my family, to my parents who sacrificed so much for me to be here. And that's not a cliché. I really mean it. It was extremely, extremely difficult with lots of adversities,” he added.
Following his quick trip to Serbia, the World No. 1 has now reached Valencia, Spain, to join his countrymen for the Davis Cup Finals Group Stage.
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