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Court of controversy
Betty Henderson
TENNIS superstar Novak
Djokovic stood by a political statement he made days earlier after his secondround victory in the French Open on Wednesday, May 31.
Djokovic boldly scribbled the words “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence,” on a camera following his first round victory on Monday, May 29.
The phrase Djokovic chose to display refers to the ongoing tension surrounding Kosovo, a region that declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Despite the declaration, Serbia has staunchly refused to recognise Kosovo as an in dependent nation.
The controversy surrounding Djokovic’s act had earlier intensified when France’s sports minister condemned his actions, labelling them as “inappropriate”.
Unphased by the criticism, Djokovic spoke out at a postmatch conference on Wednesday, “Of course, I’m aware that a lot of people would disagree, but it is what it is,” Djokovic defiantly stated. “It’s something that I stand for. So that’s all,” he added. The issue is close to home for the athlete whose father hails from Kosovo.
While the International Tennis Federation clarified that Djokovic’s statement did not violate any rules within the Grand Slam, the incident has ignited a larger debate about politics in sports.
