Djokovic given speaking to from French Open boss as sports activities minister fires warning
France’s sports activities minister has spoken out after Novak Djokovic induced controversy with a political message on the French Open. Amelie Oudea-Castera warned the third seed to not make an identical assertion after writing “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia” on the camera after his first match. And she revealed that the event director had mentioned the matter with Djokovic privately.
Djokovic induced controversy on the French Open after signing the digicam lens with a political message following his first-round win. The 36-year-old referenced the present battle in Kosovo, the place tensions flared in latest days after Nato peacekeepers clashed with Serb protesters.
Kosovo declared independence in 2008 – one thing recognised by 101 different nations – however Serbia continues to assert the state as its personal regardless of having no management. The nation’s tennis federation hit out at Djokovic and called for him to be punished, and France’s sports activities minister has now addressed the difficulty.
Speaking to TV station France 2, Oudea-Castera stated the 22-time Major champion’s message was unacceptable. She additionally revealed that French Open boss Amelie Mauresmo had already spoken to Djokovic and his group about “neutrality”.
“When you carry messages about defending human rights, messages that bring people together around universal values, a sportsperson is free to express them,” she advised the French broadcaster. “But in this case it was a message that is very activist, that is very political.”
The minister fired a stern warning to not repeat the message, including: “You shouldn’t get involved, especially in the current circumstances, and it shouldn’t happen again.” The International Tennis Federation additionally issued a response after Kosovo’s tennis physique urged these in energy to fantastic Djokovic.
“We received a letter from Kosovo which we have answered,” ITF president David Haggerty stated. “But essentially we have forwarded their letter to the French federation, to the French Open, it’s their tournament, and to the ATP who have the rules – the two of them together have the rules and regulations for the event.”
ParsJeton Hadergjonaj – the vice chairman of the Kosovo Tennis Federation – beforehand slammed Djokovic for fanning the flames of the battle. “Potentially it will inflame the situation,” he stated.
“For such a public figure, on this occasion, in this big event and (amid) this Ukraine–Russia war, to give this kind of message is really not helpful. We strongly recommend to our athletes to work for peace. It’s not the first time that Djokovic is doing this. He’s continually provoking Kosovo. He suggested he has roots from Kosovo because his father was born in Kosovo.”
In a separate assertion he added: “Tomorrow we will send an official request for Djokovic to be charged, to have a fine. We will request from the ITF, the ATP and the French Tennis Federation.”