In a celebration of sporting excellence, tennis legend Novak Djokovic secured the prestigious title of Best Balkan Athlete of the Year for an unprecedented eighth time, eclipsing competition from NBA star Nikola Jokic. The 36-year-old Serbian maestro’s remarkable feat was announced on Monday, marking a fitting tribute to a year that saw Djokovic’s continued dominance on the tennis court.
Djokovic’s stellar performance in 2023 included the triumph of three Grand Slam titles, elevating his total count to an astonishing 24. His relentless pursuit of success and his unwavering determination solidified his standing as a tennis icon and cemented his legacy as the Best Balkan Athlete.
Despite facing tough competition from basketball sensation Nikola Jokic, who earned NBA Finals MVP honors after guiding the Denver Nuggets to a championship, Djokovic’s tennis prowess prevailed in the annual poll conducted by the Bulgarian News Agency. The results revealed a total of 58 athletes receiving votes this year, showcasing the rich diversity and talent within the Balkan sporting community.
Bulgarian basketball player Alexandar Vezenkov clinched the third spot in the poll, underlining the broad representation of sports and athletes in the region. Notably, long jumpers Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece and Ivana Spanovic of Serbia secured the fourth and fifth positions, adding further diversity to the rankings.
The 50th anniversary edition of the Balkan poll, a tradition upheld by the national news agencies of ten Balkan nations, was expanded this year to include the Italian news agency ANSA, the Cyprus News Agency, and KosovoPress. This expansion underscored the growing recognition and collaboration within the Balkan sports community.
As Novak Djokovic adds another Best Balkan Athlete award to his illustrious collection, his achievements reflect his personal excellence and symbolise Balkan athletes’ collective pride and resilience. The award is a testament to the region’s rich sporting heritage and the indomitable spirit that propels its athletes to achieve greatness on the global stage.
Stay informed with our WhatsApp Channel for more news and articles.