'National hero' Djokovic given Serbia's highest honor February 15, 2012 -- Updated 1911 GMT (0311 HKT) On the rise Winner at Wimbledon Back in Belgrade On top of the world Three and easy A year to remember Novak Djokovic has been given Serbia's highest honor at a ceremony in Belgrade 1 has won four out of five grand slams since the start of 2011 Serbian president Boris Tadic said Djokovic deserved the accolade Djokovic: "I will do my best to continue representing our beautiful country" (CNN) -- Novak Djokovic's domination of men's tennis has made him a hero in his homeland of Serbia and the world No. 1's achievements were recognized on Wednesday when he was awarded the nation's highest honor. After winning three out of four grand slam titles in 2011 and clinching the Australian Open in Melbourne last month, Djokovic was given the Order of the Karadjordje's Star of the 1st degree by Serbian president Boris Tadic. It is just the latest accolade to be handed to Djokovic, who was also named Laureus Sportsman of the year last week after winning 41 matches in a row at the start of 2011 and losing just six all year. "I may have dreamed of lifting the trophy at Wimbledon, but I could never have thought that my country would reward me with such great honour," the 24-year-old five-time grand slam winner told his official website. I am indebted to my people, and I will do my best to continue representing our beautiful country in the best possible way. Tadic was full of praise for Djokovic and said: "Novak deserves the medal for special merits in representing Serbia." President of the Serbian Tennis Federation Vuk Jeremic described Djokovic, who was part of Serbia's Davis Cup winning team in 2010, as the greatest sporting hero the country has produced. "Tennis has become the most popular sport in Serbia and a source of collective pride," Jeremic told CNN of the impact Djokovic has had on the game. People identify with Novak, and draw great inspiration from his can-do, never-give-up attitude. He's the role model -- unbreakable, devoted, patriotic, charismatic. As well as the impact Djokovic has had on the court, Jeremic also hailed the positive impact he has had on Serbia's image around the world. No athlete in our history has become such a national hero. And as far as Serbia's image abroad is concerned -- can you think of a better public diplomacy vehicle? Djokovic will next be in action at the Dubai Tennis Championships at the end of the month, an event he has won in each of the last three years.