Novak Djokovic has spoken out after former long-time Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat to a student-led protest movement in snap parliamentary elections. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he has always represented the Serbian people, not the government.
Last week, Djokovic commended the Student List for creating a “sense of pride” in Serbia following the elections. It came a year after Djokovic, his wife, and their two children left his hometown of Belgrade to move to Athens, Greece.
Djokovic addresses criticism from Serbian government
Many believed the world No. 11 left Serbia because he had voiced his public support for those student protestors. Although Djokovic never publicly spoke out against Vucic or his party, the 39-year-old was said to be a target for the Serbian government.
Arriving at the Paris Masters, the Olympic champion was asked what it felt like to be criticised by those in power in Serbia, given all he had done when competing for his country. “Yeah, look, I'm not gonna discuss or comment on the past,” the 10th seed replied.
“You know, past is past. Hopefully this is a fresh start for the country. Yes, I am patriotic, but I have always represented my people and not the government. There is a big difference in that,” Djokovic said. “Yeah, so I'm happy with these changes, and hopefully, you know, things will be great and prosperous for our country in the future.”
Family relocation and Athens tournament
The former world No. 1 has not addressed whether he and his family will now return to Serbia or remain in Greece. The Djokovic family relocated last year, shortly after he lost in the US Open semi-finals.
According to Tennis24, Djokovic’s two children, Stefan and Tara, enrolled in St. Lawrence College, a private and independent British school. Djokovic was also said to have joined a local tennis club.
Djokovic’s family also operated an ATP 250 tournament in Belgrade, Serbia. However, last year they staged the event in Athens, and the world No. 11 went on to lift the trophy. The tournament is not being held this year.
When he lifted the trophy in Athens, the 103-time title winner said it felt like he was playing at home. “I've said this before but I'm going to repeat it again – playing here and just being here feels like home. You guys make it like that for me,” Djokovic said during his victory speech.
The 39-year-old is competing at this week’s Paris Masters – his first appearance at the tournament since lifting the trophy in 2023. Djokovic has a tough opening match against Valentin Vacherot, who won his second career title in Basel over the weekend and has a 1-0 record against the Serb.
