Serbians embrace triumphant Djokovic

BELGRADE, Serbia — Novak Djokovic received a rapturous welcome in Serbia yesterday following his triumph at Wimbledon and on his first day as the world’s top-ranked tennis player.

Tens of thousands of fans chanted Djokovic’s nickname “Nole, Nole” as they gathered in front of the national assembly building in downtown Belgrade at a boisterous welcoming ceremony.

“You made this day the best day of my life,” Djokovic told the screaming crowd of mostly young people as he held a replica of the Wimbledon trophy that is given to the winners to keep.

“The Best Tennis Player in the World,” said a sign on the stage erected in front of the assembly building.

Djokovic officially overtook Rafael Nadal as the No. 1-ranked player Monday after beating the Spaniard 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 Sunday in the Wimbledon final. It’s the first time in nearly 7 ½ years that a man other than Nadal or Roger Federer is ranked No. 1.

Djokovic is 48-1 with eight titles this year, including two Grand Slam trophies. /ap