Joy in Belgrade at Djokovic win
Central Belgrade erupted with joy as tennis fans paraded in the city's Republic Square following Serb Novak Djokovic's four-set win over over Rafa Nadal in the Wimbledon final on Sunday.
The streets of Serbia's capital were virtually deserted on a gloriously sunny afternoon during the epic battle between the world's top two players as fans packed bars and beer gardens to watch the match on giant screens.
But once Djokovic, who secured top spot in the world rankings by reaching the final, had clinched his third grand slam title, the city of two million people sprung back to life in a fierce display of national pride.
Some fans hooted horns as they drove around the central city square and others danced to the tunes of a local rock band, with most donning Serbian flags and football shirts as they chanted Djokovic's name.
"My heart is filled with joy for Djokovic's victory, I am a lifelong supporter and this really is a great day for all of us here," said 37-year old Nenad Jecmenica as he draped himself in a Serbian flag.
Ivana Saric, a 20-year old student, said: "This is phenomenal, we are absolutely delighted. I couldn't bear to watch the latter stages of the match but I realised Djokovic won when the party kicked off in the city centre.
"He deserved this title every bit and Serbia can be proud of what he has achieved in his very young career," she added.
A group of English fans, wearing all-white in honour of the traditional Wimbledon kit, flew to Serbia to support Djokovic and roared him on in one of Belgrade's crammed bars, much to the delight of the locals.
"We came to Serbia this weekend to support Djokovic, the only reason we are here is because we love him and he is amazing," said 35-year old Londoner Alex.
"We couldn't get tickets for Wimbledon so we thought it would be a good laugh to come here and support Djokovic, it turned out to be a brilliant weekend," he said.
"The boy has a fantastic attitude, it looked like Nadal would come back but Djokovic held it together and what he pulled off was absolutely amazing," added Gerry Scott.
NO COMPLACENCY
Djokovic, who will lead Davis Cup holders Serbia in their World Group quarterfinal tie in Sweden next weekend, will find himself in uncharted territory as the world No 1.
His main objective will be to avoid complacency after romping to an astonishing 48-1 win-loss record in 2011 including victories in the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Djokovic's former mentor Niki Pilic, who runs the tennis academy in Munich where the Djokovic arrived from his troubled motherland as a 12-year old, said he was confident the player would not get carried away with his success.
"Honestly, I think becoming the world's top player will change nothing in Novak's approach, he certainly won't lose the plot, take three months off and start resting on laurels," Pilic told local media after Djokovic reached the final.
"He is a real champion and will carry on with unabating hunger to add more titles to his trophy cabinet.
"He showed no signs of complacency when he won his first Grand Slam title, the 2008 Australian Open; he kept going and won his second title in Melbourne this year.
"It shows that he is grateful for what he has been given and hence he will treasure his throne," said Croatian Pilic, who helped Serbia to their first Davis Cup title last year in an advisory capacity.
"What he has achieved is equivalent to conquering Mount Everest, because you must ask yourselves how many millions of people play tennis and dream of becoming the best in the world."