Novak Djokovic flouts Covid guidelines to celebrate with fans after breaking Roger Federer’s world No 1 record
Serb was surrounded by supporters in Belgrade
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Your support makes all the difference.Novak Djokovic disregarded Covid-19 guidelines this week as he celebrated with fans after breaking the record for most weeks spent as world No 1.
Djokovic, who has now spent a remarkable 311 weeks atop the men’s world rankings over the course of his career, surpassed the record held by Roger Federer.
READ MORE: Australian Open proves tennis’ next generation still aren’t ready
The accolade comes weeks after the Serb claimed his 18th Grand Slam title by winning a third straight Australian Open, the ninth of his career – more than any other men’s player, with Federer three behind the 33-year-old.
Djokovic celebrated his most recent achievement with his supporters in the Serbian capital of Belgrade, despite coronavirus guidelines dictating that outdoor gatherings should be limited to just five people.
A distance of 1.5 metres must be kept between individuals, who must also wear masks indoors at all times and outdoors if an area is crowded.
Many of those in the crowd that gathered to celebrate with Djokovic were sporting masks, though many were not, and a large number were packed tightly together as they attempted to get close to the sporting icon, who wore a mask until he had taken to a stage to address his supporters.
The 33-year-old also posed for photographs with fans.
“Today is a special day for myself, my family, as well as Serbia,” Djokovic is reported by the Express as having said.
“Thank you for the success, which is not only mine but that of the whole nation.”
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