Novak Djokovic returns to action at the French Open today following France's sports minister branding his message about Kosovo as "militant" and "very political".
Following the Serb's first-round victory in Paris, he wrote "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia - stop the violence" on a camera lens.
He has since defended his actions in the aftermath - "It's the least I could have done."
'It's the least I could have done' – Novak Djokovic has defended his controversial message, written on a camera lens at the French Open, which claimed 'Kosovo is the heart of Serbia'. pic.twitter.com/gfKuvQsPsV
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) May 30, 2023
Amelie Oudea-Castera, France's chief sports Minister, has openly stated that the incident "must not be repeated" and will be focusing on the actions of the player.
The tennis stars' message was related to the recent violence and unrest in Kosovo following the results of local elections in April.
Djokovic is a tremendously proud Serbian and is attempting to support an area predominantly consisting of Serbian residents.
Following a refusal to partake in local elections, ugly scenes broke out between groups of ethnic Serbs from northern Kosovo and the Kosovo police and Nato‑led peacekeepers.
The International Tennis Federation has opted against opening a disciplinary case against the superstar.
"Kosovo is the heart of Serbia - stop the violence", Novak Djokovic wrote on camera after winning the first round of Roland Garros pic.twitter.com/zoAuBxDtjv
— Spriter (@Spriter99880) May 29, 2023
The two-time French Open winner returns to the court this evening to face Hungary's Marton Fucsovics.
He is joined by top seed Carlow Alcaraz of Spain, who plays Taro Daniel in the second round.
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