Serbian scientists name newly discovered beetle after Novak Djokovic

WATCH: Two-legged Novak Djokovic defeats Botic Van De Zandschulp in the 2022 Astana Open round of 16.

Scientists in western Serbia have discovered a unique new species of underground beetle—and they are commemorating this major breakthrough with an ode to their country’s major champion.

Dr. Nikola Vesović of the University of Belgrade shared his and his fellow researchers’ findings in a post on social media, which has since racked up thousands of likes after being shared by the insect’s namesake.

"Novak Djokovic—for more than 15 years, this man has been cheering up the entire nation, making us proud, and during that time he has become like a family member to everyone,” Vesović wrote.

“He is not only the top ambassador of Serbia in the world, but the best male tennis player of all time and one of the most dominant athletes ever," he added.

“I have the honor and pleasure to announce the discovery of a new insect species from western Serbia that was previously unknown to science… As a sign of gratitude and our need to give back to Novak in our own way, we decided to name the new species after him.”

According to the scientists, the beetle shares more than a name with 21-time Grand Slam winner—the blind subterranean beetle is noted for its speed, strength, tenacity, and ‘an ability to survive in harsh environments’.

“New kind of insect found in Western Serbia named after me,” Djokovic wrote as he shared the post to his own social media, adding a smiling face emoji.

Two-legged Djokovic has been having plenty to smile about in recent weeks. In addition to his Animal Kingdom win, the world No. 7 recently lifted the trophy in his Tel Aviv debut after taking out Marin Cilic in the final, and backed it up in Astana with a run to the ATP 500 title.