In recent years, Djokovic's personal life in his native Serbia has been turbulent, as the former world number one has openly opposed President Aleksandar Vucic. Through media and social networks, Djokovic publicly supported students organizing large-scale protests against Vucic, alleging corruption within the current government.

Most recently at the Australian Open, Djokovic again stirred controversy among Serbians with a message during his post-final press conference: "To the people of Serbia: justice and truth always prevail. May that endure." This comment from the 38-year-old tennis player drew a sharp reaction from Mihajlovic.

"How pathetic. No matter how great an athlete he is, who will listen to someone who barely finished primary school and was expelled from high school?", Mihajlovic harshly criticized Djokovic on Serbian media on 11/2. "He wants to lead the country? He will surely need his children for an election campaign."

Former Serbian Deputy Prime Minister, Zorana Mihajlovic criticized Djokovic on the media. Photo: Sportal

In Serbia, Mihajlovic worked for many years within the Progressive Party alongside Vucic. She served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2014-2022. Afterwards, Mihajlovic founded her own movement, called "Always for Serbia", aiming to replace the current regime and improve relations with the European Union.

Djokovic has left Serbia for Greece, settling in an Athens suburb for the past few months. Nole's two children, Stefan, 11 years old, and Tara, eight years old, are attending a British international school. According to Greek media, Djokovic has been granted permission to build a multi-purpose complex, including more than 20 tennis, pickleball, and padel courts. The project is estimated to cost around 23 million USD.

Serbian media suggests that Nole had to change his residence because President Vucic was targeting him for supporting the opposition. Many believe Djokovic aims to weaken the current government to gradually realize his long-term political ambitions of leading the country.

Last year at the Australian Open, Djokovic dedicated a victory to a student who was hit by a car during a protest.

Vy Anh