Novak Djokovic is the hero of opponents of the vaccination

Djokovic is a world-renowned athlete, winner of twenty grand slam tournaments and the first tennis player in the world rankings. For many people, it has become a symbol of division during the current pandemic.

In Melbourne, where he wants to defend the title at the Australian Open, a stormy demonstration took place in support of the tennis player. Participants waved Serbian flags and chanted “Freedom to Novak”. Police used pepper spray against some of them. “In Djokovic, opponents were vaccinated for the hero they were waiting for,” the Financial Times wrote in a commentary.

The Vice server writes that Djokovic himself is a staunch opponent of vaccination and a supporter of various conspiracy or esoteric theories. He recalls his words from April 2020, when he publicly stated that he did not trust vaccines. “Personally, I’m against vaccines and I don’t want anyone to force me to just travel,” the Serb said at the time.

Djokovic, 34, was eventually released from detention, and the court renewed his visa on Monday. However, he dealt with procedural matters and the immigration minister Alex Hawke decides on the tennis player’s stay in Australia and his participation in the tournament, which will start next Monday.

Support from the family and the president

Novak’s father, Srdjan, describes his son as Spartacus (Spartacus led a slave uprising in ancient Rome – note. red.). “Jesus was crucified, but he still lives among us. Novak is also crucified,” his father said at a meeting on Orthodox New Year’s Eve.

The patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Porfiri, also defended Djokovic. “Millions of Orthodox Serbs are praying for you,” he told his compatriot in Melbourne. Coincidentally, he tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday.

Father Srdjan also joined Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and called him a villain. “They can’t stop Novak on the court, so they want to stop him at the airport,” he said.

“This is a political witch hunt involving many people, including the Australian prime minister. He pretends to enforce rules that apply to everyone,” added Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

“Djokovic is not a criminal, a terrorist or an illegal migrant, but the Australian authorities treat him in this way.

A true patriot

Serbia has gone through a number of problems in recent decades. It has experienced war with Croatia and Bosnia, sanctions from the international community, an economic downturn, NATO bombing and the loss of Kosovo. Sports achievements are so often celebrated with great pomp and for some people they are a kind of compensation. Whether it’s the celebrations of the European Basketball Championship title, the victory of the Crvene football players in Belgrade in the Champions Cup or Djokovic’s achievements.

He introduces himself as a patriot. According to him, Kosovo is Serbia and as a friend he attended the wedding of Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik.

“Novak Djokovic is a living legend for Serbia as well as for Serbs in Bosnia. The vast majority of Serbs identify with him. He is adored not only for sporting achievements but also on a symbolic level. “The bombing of Serbia in 1999, an important event in Serbia ‘s collective memory and also for Djokovic’ s generation. He was twelve years old at the time,” explains Balkanist Ondrej Zila of the Institute of International Studies at Charles University.

“Especially in recent years, he has openly emphasized Serbian patriotism and the defense of Serbian interests. His Australian case is certainly something that Serbian society is experiencing strongly and perceives as an attack on itself,” Žíla told Aktuálně.cz.

On the other hand, Djokovic publicly stated three years ago that he wished Croatia success at the World Cup, which many people in Serbia did not like. “Only idiots support Croatia. Aren’t you ashamed, Novak?” Vladimir Djukanovich, a member of parliament for the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, wrote on Twitter at the time. But now public opinion in the country is on Djokovic’s side, who also has the support of opponents of vaccination and anti-civic measures in the world.

Video: Djokovic’s brother interrupted the press conference after an unpleasant question