“Come visit Belgrade”: Novak Djokovic returns with a message to fans

Novak Djokovic made his first appearance since the injury he sustained at the Australian Open, which forced him to retire in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev. The 24-time Grand Slam champion attended the Belgrade Arena to watch the Euroleague derby of the day alongside his wife Jelena, his brother Djordje, and his son Stefan.

The Serbian tennis star spoke during the halftime break in a live broadcast from the stands, sending a message to the official Euroleague channels and inviting the general public to attend basketball events. “Guys, basketball fans, Euroleague fans, we are here at the Arena for the eternal derby between Red Star and Partizan.”

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“This is currently the best place in Europe, probably in the world. This is the temple of basketball, the land of basketball, the city of basketball,” the former world No. 1 added. “An incredible party and an incredible atmosphere. I enjoyed everything, and for anyone who hasn't experienced the derby, this has to be on your list. Come visit Belgrade and enjoy basketball.”

Djokovic suffered a thigh tear, which will keep him out for several weeks, and it’s speculated that he could return in the clay swing. Nole was confirmed to play in the Davis Cup this week with Serbia, but the injury prevented him from attending the first qualifying round for the second consecutive year, which cost them a heavy 0-4 defeat to Slovakia last year.

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