On Monday, Novak Djokovic sparked controversy by writing into a camera at Roland Garros: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence,” following clashes in northern Kosovo amid ethnic tensions. The tennis player wrote the message in Serbian after his first-round victory over American Aleksandar Kovacevic.
Speaking to Serbian media during the tournament, the 36-year-old tennis player explained, “Kosovo is our cradle, our fortress, the center of the most important things in our country… There are many reasons why I wrote that on the camera.”
In northern Kosovo, NATO peacekeepers dispersed Serb protesters clashing with police demanding the replacement of ethnic Albanian mayors, which has heightened tensions in the Balkan nation. During the clashes, about 25 soldiers were injured, in addition to about 50 protesters.
Last month, Kosovo Serbs boycotted elections in northern towns, allowing ethnic Albanians to take control of local councils despite a low turnout of about 3.5 percent of voters.
Djokovic made it clear that he is not a politician and has no intention of getting involved in political debates, as this is a very sensitive issue. However, as a public figure and as the son of a man born in Kosovo, he feels an additional responsibility to express his support for his people and Serbia as a whole.
The tennis player stated that he does not regret his action and would do it again, as his position is clear. He is against war, violence, and conflicts of any kind and has always publicly shown this stance. Although he has sympathy for all people, he considers that what is happening in Kosovo sets a precedent in international law.