Serbian scientists have named a new species of beetle after world tennis star Novak Djokovic, due to his speed, strength, flexibility, durability and ability to survive in a harsh environment, the experts said on Friday. Serbian media.

The insect, which belongs to the Duvalius genus of ground beetles found in Europe, was discovered several years ago in an underground well in western Serbia.

His name is Duvalius Dokovici, according to the Tanjug news agency, which quoted researcher Nikola Vesovic.

As indicated, the new species is a coleopterous beetle specialized in the subsoil, a predator that had lost its eyes and lived in the depths.

“I proposed that the new species be named after Djokovic,” Vesovic said. “He is a man who did a lot for this country. We feel compelled to return the favor in any way we can.”

Last weekend, the 35-year-old Djokovic, who has won 21 Grand Slam trophies in his career, won the Tel Aviv Open for his third title of the season, after winning his seventh Wimbledon crown in July. .

The next time he plays will be at the Astana Open, which starts on Monday and will feature the number one in the world, the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz, and the Russian Daniil Medvedev, ranked fourth.