Novak Djokovic defends controversial Kosovo message at French Open

Novak Djokovic has sparked a potential political row after his first-round win against Aleksandar Kovacevic at the French Open.

The Serb player used the customary post-match camera signing to write the message: “Kosovo is [heart symbol] Serbia. Stop violence.” In his post-match press conference, Djokovic said the message "is the least I could have done. I feel the responsibility as a public figure – doesn’t matter in which field – to give support:

Djokovic’s message was in reference to recent unrest and violence in Kosovo after local elections in April. Serbs form the majority of the population in northern Kosovo and they still view Belgrade as their capital. After they refused to take part in local elections, groups of ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo clashed with Kosovo police and Nato‑led peacekeepers.

Following the 1998-99 war that led to the deaths of at least 10,000 people, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and it is recognised by more than 100 members of the UN, including the UK. But Serbia still considers Kosovo as part of its country and has refused to recognise Kosovo as an independent state.

The Guardian on YouTube:

#Sport #Tennis #Djokovic #Kosovo #Serbia #News

[mariomaric]

Controversial?

How come the truth is always deemed controversial by the Guardian?

[mvagic]

thank you for raising awareness for the people struggling and suffering, while the world ignores their plight

[nataliaferenc]

Beautiful said and so true❤ Peace❤ you are a great man Novak❤

[iva_popic]

Toliko si najveći, toliko zaslužuješ sve najbolje u životu💛

[lukaspasko]

Novak. Greetings from Slovakia. Slovakia and Serbia are brothers.

[Istinaipravda]

Ljudska gromada ...Hvala Nole na svemu što činiš za svoj narod i istinu !

[cool]

Man with brain, big balls and pure heart! Champ in every way 🙌🏻♥️

[sarahb.]

Controversial? What’s controversial in telling the world (not that they don’t know, they just chose to ignore it) that your people have been forced out of their homes . Homes that were their homes for centuries. Thank you Novak for speaking the truth and only truth. ❤️

[gagypetkovic]

Controversial ? when you excluded the Russians from Wimbledon that is normal for you, but when Novak defend our teritory for you that is controversial.

[ZeroPointZap]

This man is amazing. I adore him and I am NOT a sports fan!!!

[philippsuchovsky]

My respect to Novak...he is a true heroe. ..!!

[agreencanna]

Novak is the GOAT, this worldwide suppression of freedom of speech is ridiculous

[patrickroberts]

Support for Novak and Serbia from USA!

[tadhgcronin]

It must be very hard for The Guardian to put on a clip of a very honourable man and not try to smear him. The aggression the NATO war machine displayed in Serbia was shocking and I'm very glad that China has come openly come out in support of Serbia now. So many innocent civilians were killed in the NATO bombing.

[kristinakrstov]

It was a terrible day in Kosovo for all of us Serbs. And no one punlish the news, no one knew.
When Djokovic wrote this message, it gave us hope. Thank you! ❤️🇷🇸

[milicagavrilovic-cqkc]

Ti se nas najveći heroj i zato smo ponosni sto te imamo i volimo te svim srcem.❤❤❤

[dekik.]

So when a man is for peace and respect among the peoples that's contraversy?
Ever since Gardian has been stormed and their equipment smashed by an unmarked military squad 10 years ago it has become an instrument of powerful groups and polititians.
Get back Gardian, we need you❤. Show some caracter like Novak

[alohallo]

His opinion, correct supports his homeland can speak out about it, such a hero!! Go Novak! True warrior!

[novakgoatovic]

Kosovo je serbskie ! Bravo Novak. Lets go for 23 SLAM

[Gordigogo]

What political row?
Kosovo is the heart of Serbia.
What is wrong with stating that?