It was a straight-sets victory for Djokovic, but it was what happened immediately after that risked causing international outrage. The 38-year-old wrote a message on the video camera in Serbian regarding the tensions in Kosovo which read: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence.”
Tensions in Kosovo at the time reached perilous status with Serbia putting its military on high alert as well as announcing the intention to send their troops to the border. In order to lessen the stress, prior to the French Open clash, security cordons surrounding four town halls in Kosovo were established by NATO peacekeeping soldiers.
The decision came after protests from Serbs, who make up a portion of the Kosovo population, with ethnic Albanian mayors being elected into government positions in elections that the Serbian population boycotted. Despite Kosovo declaring independence from Serbia in 2008, Belgrade has continued their refusal to recognise Kosovo as an independent state.
Serbian media reported Djokovic saying in his post-match press conference: “I am not a politician and I have no intention of getting into political debates. As a Serb, it hurts me a lot what is happening in Kosovo. The least I could do is this, I feel responsible as a public figure and the son of a man who was born in Kosovo.
“I feel the need to show support to all of Serbia. I don’t know what the future holds for the Serbian people and Kosovo but it is very necessary to show support. I am against wars and any conflict, I have always expressed this in public. I am very sorry that we are in the situation we are in. Kosovo is our hearth, our stronghold, the biggest battle took place there, the most important monasteries are located there.”
When asked if he had taken into account the negative reaction to his antics, Djokovic said: “Of course I’m aware that a lot of people would disagree, but it is what it is. It’s something that I stand for. So that’s all.” Djokovic is currently aiming for a sixth Indian Wells title but will have to get past Kovacevic in the round of 32.
