Serbian world number three Novak Djokovic risked stirring up a political controversy at the French Open on Monday after writing a message about Kosovo following his first-round victory.
"Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence," 22-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic wrote on a camera lens in Serbian.in clashes with Serb protesters on Monday, while Serbia's president put the army on the highest level of combat alert.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that 52 Serbs were injured on Monday, three of them seriously, while Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani accused his Serbian counterpart of destabilising Kosovo. "Kosovo is our cradle, our stronghold, centre of the most important things for our country... There are many reasons why I wrote that on the camera," RFI radio quoted the 36-year-old Djokovic as saying to Serbian media.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Djokovic begins French Open bid injury-free and with sights on number 23Novak Djokovic's quest for a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title was given a boost when Rafa Nadal pulled out of the French Open and the Serbian has arrived at Roland Garros without any injury problems.
Read more »
Novak Djokovic gets French Open campaign off to winning start; matches Roger Federer record | CNNNovak Djokovic got his French Open campaign off to a winning start with a dominant victory over American Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round.
Read more »
Djokovic, Alcaraz cruise at French Open as Stephens lays down markerNovak Djokovic launched his quest for a record-breaking 23rd men's Grand Slam singles title with a no-nonsense 6-3 6-2 7-6 (1) win over debutant Aleksandar Kovacevic in the opening round of the French Open on Monday.
Read more »
French Open 2023 Day 2: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, American Frances Tiafoe advance to Round 2On Day 2 of the 2023 French Open, Carlos Alcaraz, the No. 1 seed and the No. 1 men's tennis player in the world, managed to both dominate and make a comeback against qualifier Flavio Cobolli, a 21-year-old in his first Grand Slam main draw.
Read more »
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz overcome brief trouble at French OpenNovak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are expected to meet in the men's singles semifinals at the French Open, but both had to overcome brief challenges Monday.
Read more »
Why do Kosovo-Serbia tensions persist?Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo have flared anew this weekend after Kosovo’s police raided Serb-dominated areas in the region’s north and seized local municipality buildings. There have been violent clashes between Kosovo’s police and local Serbs that have left several people injured on both sides. Serbia raised the combat readiness of its troops stationed near the border and warned that it won’t stand by if Serbs in Kosovo are attacked again. The situation has again fueled fears of a renewal of the 1998-99 conflict in Kosovo that claimed more than 10,000 lives.
Read more »