Murray Defends Djokovic Over Controversial Kosovo Message At Roland Garros

Sunday, 04 June 2023 at 12:00

Updated at Wednesday, 30 July 2025 at 16:32

byZachary Wimer

Andy Murray has come to the defence of Novak Djokovic, explaining that athletes should have freedom of speech.

Djokovic created a lot of controversy by writing a political message after his first-round match at Roland Garros. The move received a lot of mixed reactions on social media, with Djokovic himself providing an explanation about the message.

There were numerous discussions about a possible fine for the Serbian's message about Kosovo, following the Kosovo Tennis Federation's submission of a note regarding the 'provocation', but the French Tennis Federation opted against it.

A French sports minister came out explaining that the message was inappropriate. Djokovic's colleague, Andy Murray, has come out in support of Djokovic in an interview with the Telegraph, explaining that athletes should have freedom of speech.

Murray further conceded that sports and politics always went together as much as people would like to think otherwise.

"No athlete should be stopped from freedom of speech, I don’t think that’s fair. You often hear athletes, journalists, and commentators say that sports and politics shouldn’t mix, but they do."

"When politics have supposedly influenced decisions that have been harmful to sportspeople’s careers they argue sports and politics should not mix. But then they’re more than happy to talk on matters that they agree with."

In a way, politics and sports have always been intertwined, but for the most part, people have selectively chosen when to take sides. Murray concluded his comment by emphasizing that athletes should strive to unite, rather than divide, people.

"In many countries, prime ministers and government officials celebrate athletes’ victories and big wins. They’re always around at sporting events and it is a privilege to be invited to the White House or Downing Street. We have a responsibility as athletes to try and bring people together and not necessarily to divide each other."