Novak Djokovic celebrates in Belgrade after becoming sole-holder for most weeks as men’s world No 1

Novak Djokovic celebrated in style on the streets of Belgrade as he became the sold-holder for the most weeks as men’s world No 1 on Monday. 

The Serb, who claimed his 18th Grand Slam at the Australian Open last month, overtook Roger Federer in the standings, having been top of the ATP men’s singles rankings for a combined 311 weeks. 

Hundreds of fans lined the streets of the Serbian capital in a celebration of Djokovic’s career and jubilant supporters chanted ‘Nole, Nole!’ without any social distancing taking place despite the Covid pandemic. 

Novak Djokovic held a mass celebration in the Serbian capital of Belgrade on Monday evening 

The 33-year-old has now spent an all-time men’s record of 311 weeks as world number one (pictured with his father Srdjan)

Djokovic addresses fans who gathered in their hundreds with no social distancing taking place

Djokovic, with his family alongside, watched on as fireworks took place in front of their restaurant in Belgrade. 

Main buildings downtown in the Serbian capital were lit with his portrait, including a light show displaying the best moments of his career.

The 33-year-old 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.’

Djokovic is also looking to chase down Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s Grand Slam record

Major buildings in Belgrade were lit up with projections of Djokovic and his career highlights

The ATP rankings date to 1973 and Djokovic first topped them in July 2011 after he won his first Wimbledon title – he is currently in his fifth stint at the top. 

Djokovic’s next target will be to chase down Federer and Rafael Nadal in the all-time majors list, with the Swiss and Spaniard two ahead on 20 ahead of the next Grand Slam, the French Open, this spring.  

The Serb is set to be in action next at the Miami Masters at the end of the month, while Federer returns to action after 14 months out this week in Qatar.