Djokovic ‘raising tensions’ of Serbia and Kosovo after French Open statement

The Kosova Tennis Federation has accused Novak Djokovic of contributing to the rising tensions between Serbia and Kosovo following his statements at the French Open on Monday.

After Djokovic’s straight-sets win against Alexander Kovacevic, the 22-time grand slam title winner used the customary act of signing the camera lens to write the message: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop violence” in Serbian. Djokovic then reposted a photo of his message on his Instagram story.

The 36-year-old was addressing the recent violent clashes in Kosovo following the local elections in April. Later on Monday, he spoke at length about the issue in his Serbian press conference, stating: “This is the least I could have done. I feel the responsibility as a public figure – doesn’t matter in which field – to give support.

“I am not a politician and I don’t have the intention to get into political debate. That topic is very sensitive. As a Serb, everything that’s happening in Kosovo hurts me a lot.”

Despite his protestations, however, in a statement to the Guardian, the Kosova Tennis Federation (KFA) referred to Djokovic’s comments as “deeply regrettable”. “Kosova” is the Albanian spelling of Kosovo, which is how the country is known internationally.

“Notwithstanding a general message against the violence, the statement “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia” and the further post-match statements, made by such a public figure, in occasion of a worldwide event like the French Open, directly result in raising the level of tension between the two countries, Serbia and Kosova,” the federation wrote.

“Tennis Federation of Kosova continues to strongly recommend athletes and sports-men to work for the peace and refrain from abusing of their position in