Inspired By Novak Djokovic, This Kumbang Was Named Donovici By Serbian Scientists, Able To Survive In Difficult Environments

Tennis Novak Djokovic. (Wikimedia Commons/Carine06)

JAKARTA - Novak Djokovic's achievements and capabilities inspired a Serbian scientist to name the beetle he found under the tennis player's name.

Researchers who found it assessed that the beetle had speed, power, flexibility, durability and the ability to survive in a difficult environment, Serbian media reported on Friday.

The insect, which is included in the genus problemius of a earth beetle in Europe, was found several years ago in an underground hole in western Serbia.

Citing the researcher Nikola Vesovis, the Tanjug news agency said the beetle was named tidbitius Dokovici.

Vesovic said the new species is the special underground Coleoptera beetle, a predator who loses its eyes that live deep underground.

"I propose naming the new species by the name Djokovic," Vesovic was quoted as saying.

"He is a person who does a lot for this country. We feel pressured to pay him back in the way we can," he said.

Last weekend, 35-year-old Djokovic, who has won 21 Grand Slam trophies, won Tel Aviv Open to claim his third title this season, having won his seventh Wimbledon crown in July.