CNN
—
Serbian scientists have named a new species of beetle after great tennis star Novak Djokovic due to its speed, strength, flexibility, durability and ability to survive in a difficult environment, Serbian media reported on Friday.
The insect, which belongs to the Duvalius genus of carabids found in Europe, was discovered a few years ago in an underground pit in western Serbia.
His name is Duvalius Dokovici, the Tanjug news agency quoted researcher Nikola Vesovic as saying.
Vesovic said one new species was a specialized underground coleoptera beetle, a predator that had lost its eyes and lived deep underground.
“I suggested naming the new species after Djokovic,” Vesovic was quoted as saying. “He is the man who has done a lot for this country. We feel compelled to repay him as best we can.”
Last weekend, 35-year-old Djokovic, who has won 21 Grand Slam trophies, won the Tel Aviv Open, claiming his third title of the season after winning his seventh Wimbledon crown in July.
He played Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals of the Astana Open on Friday, which also features fourth-placed Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, who is also in the last eight. Top seed Carlos Alcaraz was eliminated in the first round.