Tensions have escalated between Djokovic and media outlets loyal to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Recent smear campaigns targeting the record-breaking tennis player and his family have made life difficult for Djokovic.
The situation began late last year when Djokovic expressed support for Serbian student protests against proposed government legislation. The 38-year-old publicly voiced his faith in Serbia's younger generation on social media, encouraging them to advocate for a better future and urging the government to listen.
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Djokovic waves to the crowd after his semifinal loss to Alcaraz at the US Open last week in New York, USA. Photo: Reuters |
Djokovic waves to the crowd after his semifinal loss to Alcaraz at the US Open last week in New York, USA. Photo: Reuters
Djokovic dedicated an Australian Open victory earlier this year to a student injured during the protests. He also attended a basketball game in Belgrade wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the slogan "students are champions". Furthermore, Djokovic shared images of the student demonstrations with the caption "History, how wonderful".
Serbian media retaliated by labeling Djokovic a "fake patriot" and a "disgrace to Serbia". They also accused him of supporting a "color revolution" in his home country. Negative stories about his family, including his father, Srdjan, also surfaced.
The relationship between Djokovic and President Vucic's administration deteriorated rapidly, contrasting sharply with the previous year when he was hailed as a hero for winning an Olympic gold medal in men's singles tennis.
Looking to the future, Djokovic and his wife have chosen Greece as their new home. After dining with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the couple purchased a house south of Athens. They have also enrolled their son, 11-year-old Stefan, and daughter, 8-year-old Tara, at Saint Lawrence, a private British school in the Greek capital.
On 9/9, Djokovic was seen at the Kavouri Tennis Club posing for photos with his son. He is considering becoming an official member of the club after deciding to relocate his ATP 250 Belgrade tournament to Athens. The tournament, renamed the Hellenic Championship, will begin on 2/11.
Djokovic's actions are believed to be part of an effort to obtain a Greek Golden Visa, a residency permit granted in exchange for investment. Two meetings with Prime Minister Mitsotakis on the island of Tinos suggest Djokovic is likely to achieve this goal.
From Serbia, President Vucic attempted to de-escalate the tension, stating he would never speak ill of Djokovic. In the past, Vucic has frequently praised and defended Djokovic, especially during his refusal to get the Covid-19 vaccine and subsequent deportation from Australia.
Vy Anh
