Djokovic accused of ‘continually attacking’ Kosovo after French Open controversy

Novak Djokovic has been accused of potentially inflaming tension in the Balkans by using the French Open to state that Kosovo belongs to Serbia. After his first-round win in Paris, the Wimbledon champion wrote on the TV camera: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia! Stop violence.”

The controversial statement came after Nato peacekeepers came under attack in northern Kosovo on Monday amid rising ethnic tension. Kosovo declared independence in 2008 – and is recognised by the International Tennis Federation – but it is still claimed by Serbia.

Clashes began after police moved to install new ethnic Albanian mayors following April elections boycotted by Kosovo’s Serbian minority. Djokovic is the most famous Serb and has never shied away from controversy during his turbulent career.

And Kosovo Tennis Federation ParsJeton Hadërgjonaj said: “Potentially it will inflame the situation. For such a public figure, on this occasion, in this big event and (amid) this Ukraine-Russia war, to give this kind of message is really not helpful. We strongly recommend to our athletes to work for peace.

“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.

“It’s understandable he’s connected with that part. But Kosovo is an independent country recognised by the ITF, 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.”

Speaking to the Serbian media after his first-round win over American Aleksandar Kovacevic, Djokovic said: “As a Serb, it hurts me what is happening in Kosovo, our people have been expelled from the municipalities. I feel the responsibility as a public figure to show support, and I especially feel it as the son of a man who was born in Kosovo, This is the least I could do.”