Welcome to Serbia, the land of the world's top athletes

Photo collage: Tanjug/AP, Dušan Milenković/ATAImages

There's no country so small in size like Serbia, with so much sporting successes. That's shortest possible description of what has been happening over the last week or so, in sports arenas around the world.

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Of course, that small, territory-wise, country has been known for the extraordinary achievements of its athletes before. And yet, this June things are reaching a new level. When in ten days someone stands at the top of the world in three different disciplines that are so popular and when all the media are buzzing about them, then at least for a moment they can separate themselves from the daily tasks and enjoy the feeling.

Yes, this is about you who come from Serbia.

The beginning of June was marked by the Serbian national 3x3 basketball squad. For the sixth time in eight editions of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup, our boys climbed to the top. And how they did it.

We witnessed matches with uncertain outcomes during the championship itself, the game against the French in the group stage will be especially memorable, but the final against the Americans is a story in and of itself.

The opponent had a 19-15 lead, they were one step away from the throne. Jimmer Fredette had a chance twice to seal victory, once the ball deflected from the basket, and then magic followed. Serbia's comeback and triumph with the final score of 21-19. The Serbian national anthem, God of Justice, thundered in Vienna.

Printscreen: Twitter.com/@FIBA3x3

We saw great celebration and satisfaction on the faces of all the guys. Strahinja Stojacic was declared the tournament's MVP, Dejan Majstorovic won his fifth gold at the sport's biggest stage, and Mihailo Vasic and Marko Brankovic also played key roles.

How much the new achievement meant to them was best described by the most experienced player.

"At every gathering, they call me the most motivated. Every competition played for the national team is something special for me. When I put on the jersey for the photoshoot before the World Cup I was happy like a little kid. I told my roommate that there is nothing more beautiful than this and I think I draw energy from it. That feeling, to wear our jersey and play in World and European Cups is phenomenal," said Dejan Majstorovic, for whom this is the fifth World Cup gold overall won wearing Serbiam colors.

Novak, the Unique One

What can we even say about what this man has been doing for us for about 15 years. So much joy, positivity, sometimes sadness, but that is also an integral part of the "world." Simply, when someone is close to your heart, it is impossible not to feel some kind of pain when defeat happens. Fortunately for us and for Novak, that has happened significantly less often than what he achieved on Sunday.

By defeating Casper Ruud in the French Open final, Novak Djokovic won his 23rd Grand Slam trophy and thus became the tennis player who has won most of these titles ever.

The triumph in the final also meant a return to the top of the ATP rankings, where he has long been the true ruler in terms of the number of weeks spent there, and it should also be noted that he became the first tennis player with at least three trophies won at each Grand Slam.

Photo: Tanjug/AP

The list of records doesn't end there, but what is perhaps even more important than that is the way he handled himself after winning the historic trophy.

"I don't want to say that I am the best of all time, I don't want to be unfair to all the great tennis champions. Every champion left their mark on tennis, left us this sport. I will leave that type debate, who is the best, to someone else, I have faith in myself and everything that I am and what I can do. This trophy is another confirmation that I can produce quality tennis. I said the Grand Slams are the main goal. I knew that clay is not something where I can present myself in the best light, but I saw that I had my chance against everyone in five sets, and I understood that the others felt pressure because of that, I wanted them to feel that way," Djokovic said coolly, despite it being quite a legitimate question.

All the statistical parameters are in favor of the fact that he really is the GOAT of tennis, despite the attempts of some media to dispute it. Looking at the numbers and observing the way in which Novak progressed through his career, at the very least, everyone would have to "take off their hat" to him. The conclusion is one, it is important for Nole to have the support of those from whom he actually needs it. This is precisely why he reached unimaginable heights.

Jokic on the path to fame

At the very end, as the icing on the cake, Nikola Jokic finally crowned several great seasons with the biggest prize in world of club basketball. Denver Nuggets became NBA champions for the first time in the history of the franchise, and probably everyone is aware that it would not have been possible without him. At least not at this time.

For his phenomenal performances, he was awarded the title of the final series' MVP. The award went to the man who was drafted from the lowest position compared to all previous winners.

Also, Jokic was the leader of the entire playoffs in all the most important statistical categories, something for which even the legendary Magic Johnson congratulated him.

Photo: Tanjug/AP

It would be too much to list all the achievements of "The Joker," as he is nicknamed in the US, because it goes beyond the limits of this article. What is most likeable about the "case" of the Serbian player is the way in which he achieved success and in which he celebrated the dream, once it became his reality.

Humility is the greatest virtue of the Sombor native has always adorned him, and perhaps that is what pushed him up to such a place in history of not only Serbian basketball. Also, Jokic's reaction when it was finally over speaks volumes to how much he believed it was possible.

Leadership is another of his characteristic and probably made the job easier for head coach Malone himself.

All of the above make Nikola Jokic closer to any ordinary man who stays awake in the wee hours of the morning, our time, to celebrate every victory and every point along with him.

At the end of this small presentation of ours, it was as if "The Joker" had listened to us or read our article in advance, so he summed up everything that was said here in his own words.

"Sport is something that is special for all of us in Serbia, even 10, 20 years ago. But now, that we have Djokovic, who is probably the best ever... For us, he is certainly the best ever, and now that we have an NBA champion, I think it's a really good time to be a Serb," the world's currently best basketball player said.

(Telegraf.rs)