Novak Djokovic reiterates his criticized political message at the French Open. He would repeat them, he emphasizes. Not the first fuss about Djokovic outside of tennis.
First, Novak Djokovic defied the dispute over his explosive statements in Kosovo – and then felt like a super hero.
When asked about a metal-looking fingernail-sized object he taped to his chest during his second-round win at the French Open, the Serbian tennis star responded cryptically. “I liked Iron Man as a kid, so I’m trying to embody Iron Man.” He also talked about nanotechnology as his “biggest secret”.
Perhaps the superpower of the 36-year-old is that he draws motivation from the constant whirlwind surrounding himself. “A Grand Slam without drama, I don’t think there will be for me, I think that drives me too,” he characterized himself.
After the constant farce about not having a corona vaccination, the anger about the political message about the conflict in Kosovo is now overshadowing the exceptional sporting performance at this French Open. “I would say it again,” affirmed Djokovic at the clay court classic in Paris. “Obviously I’m aware that a lot of people don’t agree with me, but it is what it is. That’s something I stand for.”
political trouble
The 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner wrote on the lens of a TV camera after winning the first round: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence!” The flagship of the tennis circus is not threatened by sanctions from the organizers – but French politics resulted in a clear rebuke. French Sport Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera called the statements “inappropriate”, “militant” and “very political” and urged Djokovic not to repeat them.
The background to the action of the 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner is the recent unrest in the Serbian-dominated north of Kosovo. Kosovo, which is now almost exclusively inhabited by Albanians, declared its independence in 2008. Serbia does not recognize the statehood of its former province and demands its return.
It is not for the first time that Djokovic is not only focusing on the sporting events at the biggest tournaments.
Justice Crime in Australia
Not getting vaccinated against the corona virus cost Djokovic two chances of further Grand Slam victories. The judicial thriller about his visa with the final expulsion at the Australian Open made headlines in 2022, even outside of the world of tennis. He was absent from the US Open and other top-class tournaments. “I always try to use these situations and adversities as a drive for the next challenges,” he explained.
excitement about video
When Djokovic was then allowed to return to Australia, there was a stir about a video this spring. Djokovic’s father was seen posing behind a Russian flag with a portrait of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. Next to him was a man wearing a T-shirt with the “Z” sign, which is considered a symbol of support for Russia, including the invasion of Ukraine. The situation escalated because of a “misinterpretation” and his father was “abused by people”, Djokovic defended his father. He couldn’t be “angry or sad” because of that.
Source: Stern
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