Wild scenes as fans celebrate Novak Djokovic's World No.1 record
Novak Djokovic eclipsed an incredible Roger Federer record this week and the World No.1 and his fans celebrated in his home town.
Djokovic achieved one of his career goals and reached 311 weeks as World No.1 surpassing Federer's crazy record this week.
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The World No.1 is set to put a distance between himself and Federer's record after his incredible start to the 2021 season.
Djokovic recognised the occasion on Monday when he tweeted: "Big day today."
Last year, the World No.1 admitted he would turn his attention to finishing atop the Grand Slam leader board if he were to surpass Federer's record.
“After achieving the historic number one for the longest weeks at number one, it’s going to be a relief for me because I’m going to focus all my attention on slams mostly,” he said.
There is little doubt Djokovic is set to put space between himself and Federer, despite only playing sparingly at the age of 33.
Djokovic celebrates World No.1 record with fans
In celebration of his milestone, a 'beautiful tribute' was prepared as pictures of his triumphs were projected onto town hall in Belgrade.
After sharing the moment with fans, Djokovic celebrated with friends and family at dinner.
But he was pictured singing along with fans outside the restaurant in celebration of the big day.
Skupština Grada Beograda večeras, lajt šou čestitka Đokoviću 311 nedelja prvo mesto na ATP listi @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/qbUPjb1P7s
— svetli vojvoda Crni Đorđije (@DordeStojkovic) March 8, 2021
The Serbian King of Tennis @DjokerNole is celebrating in Belgrade 👏👏👏👏👏👏pic.twitter.com/o5TJMAQnvK
— srb news (@srbnews0) March 8, 2021
March 8th 2021. pic.twitter.com/TQY2y8XAZ2
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) March 8, 2021
"I want to be No. 1 in the world."
This is @DjokerNole's destiny. #Novak311 pic.twitter.com/VpvKhDOsRy— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 8, 2021
Big day today – a landmark in the life of @DjokerNole 🙌 🇷🇸 ✨
Celebrating his career and 311 weeks as world No.1 at Belgrade's City Hall. A beautiful tribute. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/OEi8lpWpRv— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) March 8, 2021
Novak Djokovic hits 311 weeks at #1 today, passing Roger Federer’s 310 for first place among men’s singles players, a big get in men’s GOAT debates.
Djokovic seems likely to pass Serena at 319 as well.
Steffi Graf, the overall singles #1 leader at 377, is just over a year away.— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) March 8, 2021
Jubilant fans chanted “Nolo, Nolo,” and waved Serbian flags.
There appeared to be no social distancing amongst many despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Djokovic addressed the crowd, saying, “Today is a special day for myself, my family as well as Serbia. Thank you for the success which is not only mine but of the whole nation.”
The ATP rankings date to 1973, and Djokovic first topped them in July 2011. He’s in his fifth stint at the top.
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