In an interview with blue Sport, the long-time journalist in the Balkans and today’s podcaster Krsto Lazarevic names the various reasons why Novak Djokovic continues to have broad support from his home country.
There was a great outcry in Serbia when it was announced on Friday that Australia’s Immigration Minister Alex Hawke was revoking Novak Djokovic’s visa. «Shocking news from Australia – Alex Hawke has made the decision to expel Djokovic from the country. This is undoubtedly one of the biggest sports scandals of the 21st century,” reads the Serbian newspaper “blic”.
While Djokovic has probably lost popularity at international level in recent days, the backing in his home country seems even stronger than before. For Balkans expert Krsto Lazarevic there are several explanations. «Djokovic really has the status of a national saint. There is currently no Serb in any field who is as popular and adored as he is. It is also associated with one’s own national pride and national identity,” says Lazarevic, unsurprised by the violent reactions to the recent decision.
«A widespread victim myth»
Djokovic’s treatment Down Under is sometimes seen as an attack on Serbia. “It has a lot to do with the victim myth that is widespread in Serbia. In some places it has historical foundations, but sometimes not, especially with reference to the 90s, »said Lazarevic, who mainly remembered the statements of Srdjan Djokovic. “His father put it most blatantly when he said: We Serbs were always victims, we never attacked anyone and never did anything wrong. And now they’re trying to finish us off.”
Djokovic’s father did not say directly who he was addressing with his statements. However, the long-time journalist in the Balkans can imagine who is meant: “It’s the idea that the evil West doesn’t want a Serb to win his 21st Grand Slam title and the greatest player in front of a Spaniard and a Swiss of all time will.”
Djokovic as hero or martyr
Lazarevic also has an explanation for the political support and believes that this is no coincidence. «Djokovic is currently the most popular person in Serbia. Politicians are trying to take advantage of this as well. There will soon be elections in Serbia, in April,” emphasizes Lazarevic and adds: “It has to be said that Djokovic has so far held back politically. He does not endorse any person or party.”
Nevertheless, President Aleksandar Vučić naturally hopes for something when he writes under a picture uploaded to Instagram that everything possible is done for the tennis star, says Lazarevic. “In Germany, Austria or Switzerland, the government would probably not interfere if an athlete was not allowed to enter somewhere because he was not vaccinated.”
And what happens if Djokovic actually has to leave the country and cannot take part in the Australian Open? “Then he is the absolute martyr. He’s going back to court now, it’s all very exciting, like the 3rd season of an exciting Netflix series,” says Lazarevic, adding: “If he’s not allowed to take part in the Australian Open, many see it as a stab in the back Serbian rear are considered. But you can also imagine a romantic ending. Maybe he can compete and win the title – then you have the perfect heroic story.” The coming days will tell.
