Novak Djokovic Under Fire: Tennis Legend Faces Government Backlash for Supporting Serbian Protests
The tennis world’s most polarizing figure finds himself in hot water once again, but this time it’s not about vaccine mandates or on-court controversies. Novak Djokovic, Serbia’s golden boy and 24-time Grand Slam champion, has apparently committed the cardinal sin of having an opinion about his own country’s politics. Shocking, right?
The whole mess started when Djokovic dared to express support for student-led protests against Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s government. Because apparently, even tennis legends aren’t allowed to care about their homeland’s future without facing the wrath of state-friendly media outlets.
What Started the Serbian Government’s War on Djokovic
Let’s rewind to November 2024, when a railway station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, killing 16 people. The tragedy sparked massive protests across the country, with demonstrators pointing fingers at Serbian authorities for corruption and negligence. By March, these protests had spread like wildfire to over 400 cities, and they’re still going strong.
Enter Djokovic, who apparently thought it was reasonable to support his country’s youth fighting for a better future. In December 2024, the tennis star posted a message on X that basically said, “Hey, maybe we should listen to these young people who want positive change.” Revolutionary stuff, truly.
His post read: “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. Serbia has enormous potential, and educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak.”
How the Serbian Media Turned on Their National Hero
According to German journalist Jaschar Dugalic‘s report for Neue Zurcher Zeitung, the Serbian government apparently decided that Djokovic’s mild support for peaceful protests was tantamount to treason. The response? A coordinated smear campaign that would make even the most cynical political operatives blush.
The Serbian tabloid Informer—clearly a beacon of journalistic integrity—branded Djokovic a “disgrace” for his stance. When reports surfaced that the tennis legend was considering moving his family to Athens, the same outlet doubled down, calling him “a false patriot who had presented himself as a symbol of Serbia for years only to now flee to Greece.”
Because nothing says “patriotic journalism” like attacking your country’s most successful athlete for having the audacity to care about social issues. The irony is so thick you could cut it with a tennis racket.
The Pump Dance Controversy That Broke the Internet
Things got even more ridiculous during Wimbledon 2025, when Djokovic celebrated his victories with what observers called a “pumping dance move.” Serbian media immediately jumped on this, claiming it was a reference to the student protest slogan “Pump.”
When pressed about it in a post-match conference, Djokovic’s response was refreshingly honest: “As I mentioned to the Serbian journalists, it’s something between me and my children. We have a song, it’s called ‘Pump It Up’. I don’t know how many of you guys know that. It’s quite an old song. Good rhythm.”
Imagine that—a father dancing to a song he enjoys with his kids, and half of Serbia loses its collective mind thinking it’s some kind of political statement. The desperation to find controversy where none exists would be laughable if it weren’t so pathetic.
Why This Matters Beyond Tennis
This situation reveals something deeply troubling about the current political climate in Serbia. When a country’s most beloved athlete—someone who has brought international recognition and pride to his homeland through decades of excellence—becomes a target for expressing basic democratic values, it speaks volumes about the state of free expression.
Djokovic hasn’t called for revolution or violent overthrow of the government. He simply said that young people’s voices deserve to be heard and that his country has potential for positive change. If that’s considered dangerous rhetoric, then Serbia has bigger problems than tennis rankings.
The fact that regime-friendly media outlets are willing to destroy the reputation of their nation’s greatest sporting ambassador over such mild political commentary shows just how insecure the current power structure really is. When you’re threatened by a tennis player’s Instagram posts, maybe it’s time for some serious self-reflection.
The Bigger Picture for Djokovic’s Legacy
This controversy adds another layer to Djokovic’s complex legacy. Throughout his career, he’s never shied away from speaking his mind, whether it was about the ATP‘s treatment of players, vaccine mandates, or now, his country’s political situation. Some fans love him for it, others can’t stand it, but you can’t accuse him of being fake or calculated.
The Serbian government’s reaction also highlights a broader trend of authoritarian regimes targeting celebrities and athletes who dare to express dissenting views. From NBA players speaking out about social justice to European footballers taking stands on human rights issues, we’re seeing governments around the world become increasingly hostile to public figures who won’t stay in their lane.
