Advertisement

Tennis great involved in frightening crash during rally car race

David Nalbandian, pictured here in a spectacular rally car crash in Argentina.
David Nalbandian was involved in a spectacular rally car crash. Image: Supplied

Argentine tennis great David Nalbandian has walked away uninjured after a spectacular crash in a rally car race.

The former World No.3 was driving when he lost control of the car around a bend, the vehicle rolling five times before coming to rest on its side.

'MALICIOUS': Serena Williams' fury over sickening Meghan claim

'NOT OVER': Roger Federer makes massive retirement statement

Neither Nalbandian or his co-pilot were injured in the horror crash.

The 39-year-old was forced to abandon the opening day of the Pagos del Tuyu Rally in his native Argentina.

However he was back on the track for the second day of the event in Buenos Aires after repairs to his Toyota Yaris MRT.

Nalbandian turned his attention to rally car racing after retiring from tennis in 2013.

The former Wimbledon finalist has been involved in two other serious accidents, one in 2015 and the other in 2016.

"Tennis was my job and racing is a hobby. It’s very different," he said in 2016.

“I don’t have pressure here.

"I am learning and trying to do my best but not as a professional.”

Nalbandian is regarded as one of the greatest male players never to win a grand slam.

He lost to Lleyton Hewitt in the 2002 Wimbledon final, while also making the semi-finals at the other three majors.

His greatest triumph was winning the year-end Tour Finals in 2005, while also leading Argentina to Davis Cup finals in 2006, 2008 and 2011.

Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbandian, pictured here after the 2002 Wimbledon final.
Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbandian after the 2002 Wimbledon final. (photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic celebrates World No.1 record

Meanwhile, hundreds of Novak Djokovic supporters have staged street celebrations in Belgrade after the Serb became the sole record-holder for most weeks as the men's World No.1.

Djokovic topped the ATP rankings for a combined 311 weeks on Monday, surpassing Roger Federer's tally of 310.

Djokovic and his family joined fireworks in front of their restaurant in the new part of Belgrade to mark the occasion.

"Today is a special day for myself, my family as well as Serbia," he told fans.

"Thank you for the success which is not only mine but of the whole nation."

Main buildings downtown in the Serbian capital were lit with his portrait, including a light show displaying the best moments of his career.

Novak Djokovic, pictured here with father Srdjan and mother Dijana.
Novak Djokovic with father Srdjan and mother Dijana celebrate 311 weeks as World No.1. (Photo by PEDJA MILOSAVLJEVIC/AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)

Jubilant fans chanted "Nolo, Nolo" and waved Serbian flags, many failing to keep social distancing despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The ATP rankings date to 1973, and Djokovic first topped them in July 2011. He's in his fifth stint at the top.

His Australian Open victory last month earned him an 18th grand slam trophy, two less than his greatest rivals Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Nadal remains at No.2 but is set to be leapfrogged by Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev in the next rankings release on March 15.

Medvedev will be the first player other than Djokovic, Nadal, Federer and Andy Murray to be ranked in the top two since July 2005, when Hewitt held the spot.

with AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.