Novak Djokovic made headlines after his first-round match at the 2023 Roland Garros but not only because of his win.
Despite far-from-ideal preparation, the Serb entered the 2023 Roland Garros with a clear goal in his mind, winning the 23rd Grand Slam title. He started that quest well, winning in the first round against Aleksandar Kovacevic.
Although the match was certainly an interesting encounter, another interesting moment came after the match. Every time, the winner is asked to write a message on the camera and Djokovic's caused some mixed reactions.
Due to the currently complicated political situation in Kosovo, which proclaimed independence from Serbia in 2008 with 101 of the 193 United Nations members recognising it as an independent country, Djokovic wrote a message on the camera that read: "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop violence."
But many didn't welcome his message, due to the sensitive nature and the fact that Serbia doesn't recognize Kosovo as an independent country. After the match, the 22-time Grand Slam champion was asked about the message and he explained his stance.
"I am not a politician and I have no intention of getting into political debates. As a Serb, it hurts me what is happening in Kosovo, our people have been expelled from the municipalities. I feel the responsibility as a public figure to show support, and I especially feel it as the son of a man who was born in Kosovo, This is the least I could do."
Already during the interview, Djokovic was aware of the fact that there was a lot of stir caused by his message on social media, and he even opened a topic of a possible punishment from the ATP Tour or the tournament organizers.
"I feel an obligation to show support for our people and all of Serbia. I think many do not know what the future holds for Kosovo, but it is important to show harmony in situations like this. I hear there was a lot of criticism on social media. I don’t know if someone will punish me or something like that."
Despite that, Djokovic emphasized that he would do it again because he is against any war or conflict.
"But I would do it again. I am against wars and conflicts of any kind. Kosovo is our hearth, stronghold, the centre of the most important events, the biggest battle took place there, the most monasteries. There are many reasons why I wrote this."
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