Serbian Djokovic sparks political row by writing anti-Kosovo message on TV camera at French Open
Serbian Novak Djokovic sparks political row by writing anti-Kosovo message on TV camera after first round victory at French Open…
- Serbian Novak Djokovic made the statement when his father was born in Kosovo
- Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence declared in 2008
- In recent weeks, tempers have flared as Serbs boycott local elections
Novak Djokovic sparked a political row at Roland Garros on Monday by scribbling a nationalistic, anti-Kosovo message on camera after his three-set win over American Aleksandar Kovacevic.
The world No. 3 Serbian wrote “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia, stop the violence” on the television lens after the game, repeating a message he said earlier this month that read “No vax, no entry” the Kosovan culture came. Secretary of State on Twitter.
Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence declared in 2008, despite having no formal control there.
Tempers have flared in recent weeks as Serbs boycott local elections and try to prevent newly elected Albanian mayors from taking office.
He said, ‘The least I can do is this. I feel responsible as a public figure and as the son of a man who was born in Kosovo. I feel the need to show support for all of Serbia.”
Novak Djokovic caused a political row with a nationalist message at Roland Garros on Monday
World No. 3 wrote ‘Kosovo is the heart of Serbia, stop the violence’ on the television lens
Djokovic (above) became the latest player to catch the eye of the Roland Garros crowd
Previously, he had become another one to baffle the partisan Parisian crowd at Roland Garros, who controversially booed Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk on Sunday and also took offense at Britain’s Cameron Norrie who over-celebrated his victory.
The fans on Court Philippe Chatrier cheered every point by Kovacevic, who is of Serbian descent, especially in the third set when he fought well to force a tiebreak.
But when Djokovic broke the 24-year-old’s serve in that set, he put his finger to his ear to excite the crowd. That gesture was quickly answered by loud cheers, which continued throughout the game.
The biggest threat to Djokovic’s 23rd title is world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who opened his campaign in fine form by defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobilli in three sets, 6-0, 6-2, 7-5. to win.
US Open winner Alcaraz, who told Mats Wilander to call him ‘Carlitos’ in his post-match speech, said, ‘I love playing here and felt a great energy from the crowd.’