"Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence," Djokovic wrote after making it to the second round of the French Open without much trouble, defeating American Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets.
When Djokovic later spoke to Serbian journalists, he elaborated on the reasoning:
I am not a politician, and I do not intend to enter into debates. But as a Serb, what is happening in Kosovo pains me. Our people have been forced out of communities. This is the least I can do. As a public figure, I feel an obligation to show support for our people and all of Serbia," he said.
Provokes criticism
On social media, the statement has attracted criticism, with some calling for the world number three to be banned from all sports. The Kosovo Tennis Federation writes on Facebook that "Djokovic continues with his nationalist and chauvinistic behaviors through provocations against the state of Kosovo."
The federation writes that it will report Djokovic to the International Tennis Federation and the ATP Tour.
"I've heard that there has been a lot of criticism on social media. I don't know if anyone will punish me or something like that. But I would do it again, I am against wars and conflicts of all kinds," said Djokovic, whose father was born in Kosovo, according to the news site News.com.au.
In recent days, violence has erupted in northern Kosovo. According to the NATO-led Kosovo force KFOR, which was deployed to four communities to contain the protests, more than 30 soldiers were injured in clashes, including incendiary bombs.
No retaliation
Kosovo declared independence in 2008 and was recognized the same year by many countries, including Sweden. Serbia, on the other hand, has never done so.
The French Tennis Federation (FTT), which organizes the tournament, said in a statement to Reuters that there are no rules on what players can say or not and that it will not comment on the matter.
It's not the first time Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has been criticized for controversial statements. He came into the spotlight last year when he was expelled from Australia at the Australian Open for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19.