Novak Djokovic Makes Political Statement at French Open
Novak Djokovic, the professional tennis player from Serbia, has made a political statement during his appearance at the 2023 French Open. Following his first-round victory against American Aleksandar Kovacevic, Djokovic wrote “Kosovo is the [heart] of Serbia. Stop the violence” in Serbian on a TV camera lens at the event, using a heart symbol.
Tensions have been rising in Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008. There were clashes with protestors on Monday after ethnically Albanian mayors took office in northern Kosovo, a majority Kosovo Serb area, following April elections that Kosovo Serbs had boycotted. At least 34 soldiers with NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo were injured during the clashes.
Djokovic’s reference to the “entirety of Serbia” reflects the policy of the Serbian government, which still considers Kosovo to be an integral part of its territory and has not recognized the country’s independence. Djokovic elaborated on his message in Serbian at a press conference, saying: “This is the least I could have done. I feel the responsibility as a public figure – doesn’t matter in which field – to give support.”
“Especially as a son of a man born in Kosovo, I feel the need to give my support to our people and to the entirety of Serbia. I don’t know, and I think many others don’t know, what the future brings for Kosovo and for Serbian people, but it’s necessary to show support and demonstrate unity in these kinds of situations. I don’t know what will happen,” Djokovic added.
As a child growing up in Belgrade, Djokovic lived through NATO’s 78-day bombing campaign in 1999, which was intended to end atrocities committed by troops of Yugoslavia’s then-president Slobodan Milošević against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.
Djokovic’s statement has not gone unnoticed, with many on social media praising him for speaking out and raising awareness of the tensions in the region. However, others have criticized him for mixing politics with sport.
It remains to be seen whether Djokovic’s statement will have any ramifications for his appearance at the French Open or his career going forward. Regardless, he remains one of the top players in men’s professional tennis, and is currently aiming to win his 23rd grand slam title at the French Open, which would move him clear of Rafael Nadal at the top of the men’s all-time list.
In the meantime, tensions continue to simmer in Kosovo, with the situation on the ground rapidly changing. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the region, and whether the international community will be able to find a solution that satisfies all parties involved.
