THE KOSOVO TENNIS Federation is preparing an official complaint about Novak Djokovic’s on-camera message and will call for the 22-time grand slam champion to be fined.
After his first-round victory at the French Open on Monday, Djokovic wrote on the camera lens: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence.”
Kosovo declared independence in 2008 but Serbia has never recognised that and violence broke out in the north of the country over the weekend after ethnic Albanian mayors were installed in Serbian-dominated areas, with NATO peacekeepers among those injured.
Djokovic’s message immediately drew attention on social media, with the Serbian telling journalists from his country: “As a Serb, it hurts me what is happening in Kosovo.
“Our people have been expelled from the municipalities. This is the least I could do. As a public figure, I feel an obligation to show support for our people and all of Serbia.
“I hear there was a lot of criticism on social media. I don’t know if someone will punish me or something like that, but I would do it again. I am against wars and conflicts of any kind.”
The French Tennis Federation said on Monday it would not be taking any stance on the matter because grand slam rules do not forbid political statements from players, but the Kosovo federation believes Djokovic should face punishment.
Jeton Hadergjonaj told the PA news agency: “It’s not the first time that Djokovic is doing this. He’s continually provoking Kosovo.
“He suggested he has roots from Kosovo because his father was born in Kosovo. He lived in the north part and probably you heard now in that part there is some troubles and some of the peacekeepers, international soldiers, were injured because the Serbian people attack them.
“OK, Djokovic has some connections, he still has some family there I think and he visited that part. It’s understandable, he’s connected with that part.
“But Kosovo is an independent country recognised by the ITF (International Tennis Federation), Tennis Europe and the international community.
“But he continuously attacks us every time he can do it. In a basketball match in Belgrade one month ago, all the people in the stadium were chanting ‘Kosovo is Serbia’. He was not shouting but he was doing the signs with his hand supporting that.
“That one was not very public, I reacted as well, but this one was a big one. According to the Olympics charter, the fundamental principle is that sporting organisations within the Olympic movement should apply political neutrality.
“The ITF is recognised by the International Olympic Committee. We have to react. Tomorrow we will send an official request for Djokovic to be charged, to have a fine. We will request from the ITF, the ATP and the French Tennis Federation.”
Serbia has troops stationed near the border and there are fears the situation could escalate 15 years after the Kosovo war left more than 10,000 people dead.
Asked if Djokovic’s involvement could increase tensions, Hadergjonaj said: “Potentially it will inflame it. For such a public figure, in this occasion, in this big event and (amid) this Ukraine-Russia war, to give this kind of message is really not helpful.
“The Kosovo-Serbia talks are ongoing and are near to be solved, the problem of Kosovo for a lifetime. To do this kind of declaration from Djokovic, I think is not clever.”
Djokovic faces Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in the second round in Paris on Wednesday.
A Serbian talking about peace must be a first. One of the most blood thirsty countries in history.
@JamRag: You really can’t blame people for what politicians do
@JamRag: cool story bro.
@La Golondrina: facts bro, try studying history, just even the recent stuff….
@Sea Point: what I find interesting and ironic is that for a number of folks around here their grasp of history when it comes to the Balkans appears to be based on a very limited understanding of history i.e. from 1990 onward.
I would respectfully encourage anyone with an interest to take a look at how WW2 played out in that region. There was also the 500 years of subjection by the Ottomans that preceded both world wars. History is complicated and at times very ugly as anyone from these shores ought to know.
But hey, folks are perfectly entitled to cling to a more simplistic and comfortable world view that marries up more nicely with their preconceived notions and biases.
The world is a lot more easier to navigate for those who view things through black and white.
@La Golondrina: you’ve said a lot and nothing at all at the same time. None of what you said makes any sense in relation to the story at hand and the dafty views of Djokovic.
@JamRag: Indeed, remember the time Serbia had a globe spanning empire built on white supremacy, which exploited and exterminated millions of indigenous peoples in the name of white setler colonialism. Or when they nuked two civilian cities for no reason other than flexing their power, or indeed when they illegally invaded Iraq on spurious grounds leading to the deaths of >4 million people in needless wars accross the ME. How they have a globe spanning 800 military bases and engage in endless warfare. The US/EU/ NATO demonising Serbia is raging hypocrisy. Whether you like Nole or not, he knows more about the history of Kosovo than any of us. The NATO attack on Serbia in 1999 was a clear violation of the UN charter – for those with a genuine interest in history and actual barbarism.
@kerrill thornhill: “he knows more about the history of Kosovo than any of us”?. Is that in the same way Brits know more about Irish history than anyone else. Have a word with yourself chap. The Nato attack on Serbia related to repeated attempts to ethnic cleanse by the Serbian forces, and not for the first time in their long and dark history in the region…
@Sea Point: His father was from Kosovo, a part of Serbia until 1999, of course he knows the history. 24 years ago NATO separated Serbia using military force, based on a media generated narrative which had no basis in international law. The accusation of ethnic cleansing was heavily disputed: approx 3000 died in Kosovo prior to NATO intervening, approx 14000 in Donetsk prior to Russia intervening: both actions were illegal & justified by ethnic populations supporting break away status – the difference is how media in the West present them.There is a clear case for consistency in international law, rather than allowing media led narratives to dictate what passes for legal. It’s ahistorical nonsense to demonise Serbias past, while ignoring NATOs far darker and bloodier present
Getting involved isn’t the responsible thing for him to do as an influence in his own country. Ego, ego is the real enemy.
@Mark Higgins: Sports people are rarely renowned for their academic prowess.. Bless him, he ought to keep his notions to himself
@Trev: Unless you agree with what he’s saying. Then speak away
@Thomas Walsh: I neither agree nor disagree with what he is saying. I am saying that those with limited intellectual capabilities should not be using their lofty position in the world of sports to voice their biased political opinion to international audiences. But you probably already knew that. Enjoy your evening
@Trev: well then fair enough and I apologize . Unfortunately today most people just don’t want to hear a different opinion
@Thomas Walsh: No need to apologise Tom, I enjoy healthy debate! I agree with you, most people today are entrenched in their beliefs and rarely listen to reasonable argument unless it complies with their own. No hard feelings buddy, and I look forward to further debates with you in the future!