Wimbledon 2011 Photos

Wimbledon champ Djokovic gets rapturous welcome

July 05, 2011 22:17

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

Zoom

Novak Djokovic received a rapturous welcome in Serbia following his triumph at Wimbledon and on his first day as the world's top-ranked tennis player.
Zoom

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.
Zoom

"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.
Zoom

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

Djokovic officially overtook Rafael Nadal as the No. 1-ranked player after beating the Spaniard 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 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. Let's take a look at how it happened.
Zoom

It was majestic play on display as the new World No.1 Novak Djokovic gave a near flawless performance to overshadow the 2010 champion Rafael Nadal and claim his maiden Wimbledon title.
Zoom

It was Nadal who won the toss and chose to receive in the highly anticipated final. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

British Formula One driver Jenson Button (L) was in the stands to watch the final along with partner Jessica Michibata. (AFP PHOTO)
Zoom

The championship match got off on an even note as both players held on to their serves. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

Rafa was made to run around the court and finally broken at a crucial stage while trailing 4-5 in the first set, despite initially leading 30-0, handing the set to Djokovic.(AP Photo)
Zoom

Djokovic continued his sensational stroke making in the 2nd set to break Rafa again in only the 2nd game after having held on to his serve in the first game. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

Northern Irish golfer and US Open champion Rory McIlroy (C), was also among the many high-profile spectators. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

Trailing 1-4 in the second set, Nadal could not hold on to his serve again as the Serbian completely dominated the 2010 champion. (AP Photo)
Zoom

Djokovic closed out the next game, without losing a single point to clinch the 2nd set 6-1 and take a 2-0 lead in the match. (AP Photo)
Zoom

(top L-R) Nadal's mother Ana Maria Parera, girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello, "Xisca" and sister Maria Isabel Nadal were there as always to support the Spaniard in his match against Djokovic. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

The start of the 3rd set saw Nadal finally get the break he had been waiting for in the whole match. After closing out the first game on his serve, he broke Djokovic and then won the 3rd game without dropping a point to take a 3-0 lead. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

Former tennis champion Bjorn Borg (C) also attended the title clash between Nadal and Djokovic. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

Nadal dominated Djokovic's serve again when the Serbian served at 1-4, winning the game after Djokovic double-faulted for the first time in the match. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

With Nadal having the serve advantage in the next game, the Spaniard pulled a set back to turn around the momentum in his favour. (AP Photo)
Zoom

The good fortune however didn't last as Nadal lost his serve in the 2nd game of the fourth set after coming close to breaking Djokovic in the first game. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

Djokovic also enjoyed ample support in the crowd with his partner Jelena Ristic also making her presence at Centre Court. (AFP PHOTO)
Zoom

Needing lady luck to smile on him, Nadal got fortunate at the right moment as he broke back with a sliced forehand drop shot that hit the net cord before slipping right over. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

But, just when it seemed that Nadal would probably take it to the 5th set, Djokovic got back his early form and left Rafa scampering. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

Nadal followed it up with a dreadful service game. A first double fault was followed by a couple of unforced errors to go 0-40 to gift the game to Djokovic. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

Djokovic didn't show any sign of nerves and collapsed to the ground in joy when on his first match point Nadal went long with a backhand. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

Djokovic ate the famous All England grass to celebrate the coveted title that has been his boyhood dream. (AFP Photo)
Zoom

This is the Serb's maiden Wimbledon title but 3rd Grand Grand Slam overall as he has also won 2 Australian Open titles. (AP Photo)
Zoom

The win also proved that his ascension to the No.1 spot was no fluke and he very much deserves the ranking. (AP Photo)
Zoom

This was Djokovic's fifth final victory over Nadal this season - two on hard courts, two on clay and now one on grass. (AFP Photo)

Back to Wimbledon 2011 photos