Rare snail species named after tennis great Novak Djokovic

Creature christened after five-time Wimbledon winner following discovery by scientists in Montenegro spring, reports Joe Sommerlad

The shell belonging to Tavunijana djokovici, a new snail species named after tennis great Novak Djokovic (Jozef Grego/University of Montenegro/PA)

A rare freshwater species of snail discovered in Montenegro has been named after Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic.

Travunijana djokovici, which is classed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, was first identified in 2019 at a spring near the country’s capital Podgorica, although its precise origins remain unclear.

Jozef Grego and Vladimir Pesic of the University of Montenegro made the discovery and explained that they chose to name it after the current world ATP number one, who has won 19 Grand Slams across a stellar career including five Wimbledon titles, in tribute to Mr Djovokic’s inspiring “enthusiasm and energy”.