Watch: Novak Djokovic welcomed with thunderous applause as he attends basketball match in Belgrade between Crvena Zvezda and Valencia

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic received a huge round of applause as he attended a basketball game between Crvena Zvezda and Valencia in Belgrade, Serbia.

The 35-year-old is currently preparing for the clay-court season, which he will kick off with the Monte-Carlo Masters commencing on April 9 in Monaco. Djokovic earlier withdrew from the Sunshine Double after his request for entry to the United States was denied due to his unvaccinated status.

A few days ago the 22-time Grand Slam winner hit the courts in Belgrade ahead of the Monte Carlo Masters, which he has won twice in his career. But amidst his preparations for the clay court swing, Djokovic also attended a basketball game.

In many short videos that have gone viral on social media, the former World No. 1 was seen being given thunderous applause from the audience. Djokovic was also seen standing and waving to everyone and gesturing "Thank you," with a smile on his face.

A few more clips of the Serb's rousing welcome can be viewed here:

Djokovic also attended Zvezda's match against FC Barcelona in 2021. Zvezda are currently placed 13th in the Euroleague, a European professional basketball club competition.

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"It’s a pity that I wasn’t able to play in Indian Wells, Miami" - Novak Djokovic

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Novak Djokovic is no stranger to missing tournaments due to his unvaccinated status. The Serb had arguably his worst start to a season in 2022 as he was deported from Australia despite being initially granted entry. He was also slapped with a three-year ban.

Later that year he also missed out on the US Open, where he withdrew before the commencement of the tournament.

But this year Djokovic was allowed to take part in the Australian Open, and he showed the fans what they were deprived of in 2022. The former World No. 1 won the 10th Australian Open title of his career, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.

Due to his unvaccinated status, however, Djokovic was forced to pull out of the Sunshine Double. During an interview, the veteran said that he had no regrets but added that it was a pity that he was barred from playing in those tournaments.

“No, I have no regrets,” Djokovic said in an interview with CNN. “I’ve learned through life that regrets only hold you back and basically make you live in the past and I don’t want to do that.”

“It’s a pity that I wasn’t able to play in Indian Wells, Miami. I love those tournaments. I had plenty of success there,” he added.

In the interview, Djokovic also congratulated Carlos Alcaraz for reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the ATP singles rankings.