Novak Djokovic courting political trouble in Serbia

• Djokovic has waded into politics back home with reported instances of violence in Kosovo
• He boldly said that Kosovo is the heart of Serbia
• He called for an end to violence

As Novak Djokovic sailed through the first round at the French Open, he has waded into politics back home with reported instances of violence in Kosovo.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion soon after defeating Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round at Roland Garros (6-3, 6-2, 7-6) boldly said that Kosovo is the heart of Serbia and the violence there should stop.

Djokovic was referencing Serbian regional politics that are turning out to be chaotic. Police on Monday had to lob teargas canisters at a group of Serbians who had camped outside the office of the recently elected Albanian Mayor in Zvecan town in Kosovo.

Zvecan is one of the four Serbian municipalities in northern Kosovo and this incident left 50 people with injuries.

Djokovic says that he is not in any way filling the shoes of a politician but he felt it was only right to talk his heart out because the violence in Kosovo is hurting him a lot.

Novak Djokovic. Photo/Tennis Majors

“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 them and to Serbia. I don’t know what the future brings for Serbian people and for Kosovo, but it’s necessary to show support and demonstrate unity in these kinds of situations,” he told Tennis Majors.

Following his remarks, it remains unclear how Serbian authorities will react to his message. Already there is talk on social media about a penalty but the Serbian says he has nothing to fear.

“My stance is clear: I am against wars, violence and any kind of conflict, as I’ve always stated publicly. I empathize with all people, but the situation with Kosovo is a precedent in international law… I am very sorry for the situation that we are in – Kosovo is our hearthstone, our stronghold, our most important monasteries are there,” he added.

Since Friday, when police and Serb residents of Kosovo’s North clashed, the Serbian army has been on maximal alert near to the Kosovo border.

Despite Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence, the Serbian government still views this territory as an autonomous entity of Serbia. The region has always suffered from political unrest.

Novak Djokovic elbow. Photo/The New York Times

Meanwhile, Djokovic is set to play the second round of Roland Garros against Marton Fucsovics.

His presence in Paris is a big issue as most of his fans didn’t expect him to play after admitting that his right elbow wasn’t in the best medical state.

The world No.1 who previously had surgery on this elbow in 2018, raised concerns about his fitness during a shocking loss to Lorenzo Musetti in Monte Carlo.

He wore strapping on his elbow at the time. According to Daily Mail, the Serbian tennis star told the press at Banja Luka that his elbow wasn’t in the best shape but he still could play.