Djokovic’s blunt chat with Serbian president after uprooting household | Tennis | Sport | EUROtoday

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has revealed he had some blunt phrases for tennis icon Novak Djokovic. The controversial statesman has damaged his silence on Djokovic after the 24-time Grand Slam winner departed Serbia along with his household.

Djokovic, his spouse, Jelena, and their two kids, Stefan and Tara, now stay in Athens, Greece, after selecting to depart Belgrade final yr. It has been advised that the upheaval is because of a ‘smear’ marketing campaign towards him by pro-Vucic nationwide media.

The Australian Open runner-up, 38, has beforehand lent assist to youth-led anti-government protests. “As someone who deeply believes in the power of young people and their desire for a better future, I consider it important that their voice is heard,” Djokovic wrote on X in March 2025.

“Serbia has enormous potential, and educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak.”

Speaking to TV Pinkas quoted by Sports ClubVucic revealed that he would not be cowed by Djokovic’s views and that he had a firm message for the Serbian sports hero.

“I told him what I thought, now I would say it in a harsher way, not towards him, but towards the situation we were in,” Vucic mentioned.

“I will not change my beliefs under the influence of any sports, acting or entertainment star.”

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However, Vucic did reward Djokovic’s efficiency on the Australian Open earlier this yr and hopes the veteran can proceed to search out extra success. “I wholeheartedly support Djokovic and all the people who wear the Serbian tricolour, and [I am] looking forward to his success,” Vucic mentioned.

“[He showed] something incredible in those years [in his win against Jannik Sinner]. [He is] the greatest of this time in a difficult and demanding sport.

“It is much more than a congratulatory message, he represents his country with dignity and makes it popular. Regardless of the result of the final, I support him.”

Djokovic spoke of his household’s transfer to Athens, to CNN Greece in October. He mentioned: “We are, as a family, trying to see how the life goes here, the experience. It’s only been less than two months. So we will see how it goes, but so far, as I said, it’s been a very positive experience.”