Novak Djokovic says he has no regrets about writing a political message concerning Kosovo at the French Open but now wants to move on from the controversy.
Following his first round win in Paris, the 22-time Grand Slam champion wrote on the camera lens ‘Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence’ amid a flare-up of clashes in the region which has resulted in members of the United Nations peacekeeping force getting injured. Djokovic’s message is controversial as Kosovo declared independence back in 2008 and it is recognised by over 100 countries. However, Serbia still views the region as part of its territory.
France’s Minister of Sport, Amelie Oudea-Castera, was among those who criticized the 22-time Grand Slam champion for using political messages. Although this is not the first time a tennis player has done so with another example being that of Karen Khachanov at the Australian Open in January who wrote messages of support towards Armenians living in the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.
“When it comes to defending human rights and bringing people together around universal values, a sportsperson is free to do so,” Oudea-Castera told the TV station France 2. She then added that Djokovic’s message was “militant, very political” and “must not be repeated”.
However, the Serbian has reiterated his stance on the matter following his second round win over Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics. After being sternly tested in an 87-minute opening set, Djokovic then won 12 out of the next 15 games in his 7-6(2), 6-0, 6-3, victory.
“I would say it again, but I don’t need to because you (the media) have my quotes if you want to reflect on that,” he said during his press conference.
“Of course, I’m aware that a lot of people would disagree, but it is what it is. It’s something that I stand for. So that’s all.”
Djokovic, who holds the ATP record for most weeks spent as world No.1, has experienced his fair share of criticism over the years at Grand Slam tournaments. Perhaps the most notable incident concerns his stance on the COVID-19 vaccination which resulted in him being barred from playing at the Australian Open one year after losing a legal battle with authorities.
“A drama-free Grand Slam, I don’t think it can happen for me,” he said.
“I guess that drives me, as well.”
It is the 18th year in a row that Djokovic has reached the third round of the French Open. Should he win the Roland Garros title this season, he will overtake Rafael Nadal to become the most decorated male singles Grand Slam champion in history.
Awaiting the third seed in the next round will be Alejandro Davidovich Fokina who beat France’s Luca Van Assche 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(6). He has beaten the Spaniard twice on the Tour in 2021 but has also lost to him before at last year’s Monte Carlo Masters.
