PARIS, May 30. (PA Media/dpa/EP) –
The Kosovo Tennis Federation announced on Tuesday that it will officially request that the Serbian player Novak Djokovic be fined for the message “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence”, which he wrote on a camera after his victory over the American Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round of Roland Garros, second ‘Grand Slam’ of the year.
“The ITF is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. We have to react. Tomorrow we will send an official request for Djokovic to be charged, for a fine to be imposed. We will ask the ITF, the ATP and the French Tennis Federation “, declared Jeton Hadergjonaj, president of the Kosovar federation, to the agency PA Media.
Hadergjonaj explained that Djokovic has “some connections” with the Kosovar territory and that it is “understandable” that he would speak out, but pointing out that this affects the conflict. “For a public figure like him, at this big event, giving this kind of message is not really helpful,” he added.
It is not the first time that the tennis player has done acts that support Serbia at this time, when the tension in the area is growing again. “A month ago, at a basketball game in Belgrade, all the people in the stadium were chanting ‘Kosovo is Serbia.’
Djokovic was quick to admit that, despite the criticism, he would “do it again” since he is “against” wars and “all kinds of conflicts”. “Our people have been expelled from the municipalities. It’s the least I can do. As a public figure, I feel the obligation to show my support for our people and all of Serbia,” the tennis player said.
Meanwhile, the French Tennis Federation denied that it is going to rule because the rules of the ‘Grand Slams’ do not prohibit political statements by players. Thus, Djokovic will calmly face his duel this Wednesday, against the Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, in the second round.
2023-05-30 17:00:52
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