Desk Report,
Djokovic considering leaving Serbia after supporting student protests, disliking government
Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic is under political pressure in his home country. The Serbian government is unhappy with him for supporting the student movement, which has led to him being branded “anti-national” by pro-government media. The situation has become so unbearable for Djokovic that the 24-time Grand Slam winner is now considering leaving Serbia.
Djokovic considering leaving Serbia after supporting student protests, disliking government
The British Daily Mail and Greek City Times reported this, citing German media outlet NZZ. Serbia has been gripped by almost daily protests since a railway station roof collapsed in November, killing 16 people. A significant number of students have taken part in the protests against President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration. Djokovic has said he will stand by the students in the protests. Since then, the government-run media has been criticizing him as “anti-national.”
The criticism has intensified in recent weeks. Several Serbian media outlets reported that Djokovic, the owner of 24 Grand Slams, is considering leaving the country with his family. The destination could be Greece. There has been no indication that even the government will stop him.
Earlier, Djokovic had been by the side of the youth since the beginning of the movement. He wrote on social media, “I believe in the power of young people. Their voices will shape our future. They are the greatest strength of our country and we should respect them.” This message inspired the protesters, but angered the administration. After winning the Australian Open in January this year, Djokovic dedicated the title to a student who lost his life in the movement. Many saw it as a powerful political message.
However, Djokovic, who is vocal on various socio-political issues, did not stop there. Later, when he went to watch a basketball match in Belgrade, the T-shirt he wore read, “Students and Champions.”
Since then, the state-run media has launched a continuous campaign against him, alleging that he has done nothing for Serbia, but has instead used the country’s name for his own benefit.
