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French Open: Novak Djokovic embroiled in controversy

He is a two-time Roland Garros champion

By Web Desk

May 30, 2023

Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during his first round match against Aleksandar Kovacevic — Reuters

Serbian world number three Novak Djokovic was embroiled in a political controversy at the French Open on Monday.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion wrote a message about Kosovo following his 6-3 6-2 7-6(1) first-round win over Aleksandar Kovacevic.

"Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence," Djokovic wrote on a camera lens in Serbian.

It must be noted that around 25 NATO peacekeeping soldiers were injured after clashes with Serb protesters on Monday in northern Kosovo.

Serbia, backed by its ally Russia, do not recognise Kosovo's independence — which was declared back in 2008. Serbia still considers Kosovo part of its territory.

"Kosovo is our cradle, our stronghold, centre of the most important things for our country... There are many reasons why I wrote that on the camera," RFI radio quoted the 36-year-old Djokovic as saying to Serbian media.

The French tennis federation (FFT) also distanced itself from the matter by stating that there are "no official Grand Slam rules on what players can or cannot say. The FFT will not be making any statement or taking any stance on this matter”.

The two-time Roland Garros champion, Djokovic, is looking to win a record 23rd men's Grand Slam singles title. He will face Hungarian journeyman Marton Fucsovics for a place in the third round on Wednesday.

"It's always a pleasure to come back here, one of the best tournaments in the world," said Djokovic, who made his Roland Garros debut in 2005.

"I'm very motivated to go far here, all the way I hope."