Novak Djokovic has eased into the second round of the French Open but risked inflaming political tensions in his home region with a message about Kosovo. 7NEWS
After a 6-3 6-2 7-6 victory over American Aleksandar Kovacevic, who is of Serbian heritage, Djokovic wrote on the camera lens: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence.”Watch the latest sport on Channel 7 or stream for free onKosovo declared independence in 2008 but Serbia has never recognised that and violence broke out in the north of the country over the weekend after ethnic Albanian mayors were installed in Serbian-dominated areas, with NATO peacekeepers among those injured.
Speaking to Serbian journalists in comments reported by the country’s media, Djokovic, whose father was born in Kosovo, said: “I am not a politician, nor do I intend to enter into debates. “I hear there was a lot of criticism on social media. I don’t know if someone will punish me or something like that, but I would do it again. I am against wars and conflicts of any kind.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
French Open: Kostyuk calls out crowd who booed her for snubbing SabalenkaMarta Kostyuk said the French Open crowd should be embarrassed for booing her for refusing to shake hands with her Belarusian opponent
Read more »
Aussie aces give Australia a golden start at French OpenInspired play from Thanasi Kokkinakis, Storm Hunter and Jason Kubler gives Australia a flying start to the French Open with rousing first-round victories in Paris.
Read more »
Wildcard Storm Hunter’s French Open 2023 win ignites golden start for AustraliansFighting trio Storm Hunter, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Jason Kubler have given Australia a flying start to the French Open in Paris
Read more »
French Open day two: Norrie in action, Djokovic, Alcaraz and Garcia to come – liveIt’s a star-studded day at Roland Garros with Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz both beginning their campaigns. Join Daniel Harris for updates
Read more »
Tensions flare between Ukrainian and Belarusian players at French OpenRising Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk has been booed at the French Open after refusing to shake hands with reigning Australian Open winner, Belarusian-born Aryna Sabalenka.
Read more »
Alex de Minaur finds his feet on clay to reach second round of French OpenSydneysider beats Belarusian Ilya Ivashka in four sets, but fellow Australians Alexei Popyrin and Chris O’Connell go out
Read more »