Andy Muray gives Novak Djokovic unlikely ally after controversial row
Djokovic brought about an uproar at Roland Garros after he wrote: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia! Stop violence,” on the digicam lens after his first-round win. Kosovo declared independence in 2008 – one thing recognised by many countries – however Serbia nonetheless claims the state as its personal.
The Kosovo Tennis Federation and Kosovo Olympic Committee have already hit back at the world No 3’s comment. And France’s sports activities minister deemed it inappropriate and informed Djokovic that it “should not happen again.”
But the 22-time Major champion has discovered some help from Murray, who defended athletes’ proper to freedom of speech. While he didn’t straight handle Djokovic’s message to Kosovo, the Brit informed The Telegraph: “No athlete should be stopped from freedom of speech, I don’t think that’s fair.
“You often hear athletes, journalists, and commentators say that sports and politics shouldn’t mix, but they do.” But the three-time Major champion did harbour some considerations, saying sports activities stars needed to be “careful not to be hypocritical”.
Murray added: “When politics have supposedly influenced decisions that have been harmful to their [sportsmen] careers they argue sports and politics should not mix. But then they’re more than happy to talk on matters that they agree with.”
And the world No 43 identified that it wasn’t unusual to see athletes celebrating with the leaders of their nation. “They like taking photos with prime ministers and world leaders,” he mentioned – so long as their politics align.
“In many countries, prime ministers and government officials celebrate athletes’ victories and big wins. They’re always around at sporting events and it is a privilege to be invited to the White House or Downing Street.
“We have a responsibility as athletes to try and bring people together and not necessarily to divide each other.” Meanwhile, Djokovic has stood by his comments about Kosovo despite facing a backlash.
“I would say it again, but I don’t need to because you have my quotes if you want to reflect on that,” he mentioned after his second-round match. “Of course I’m aware that a lot of people would disagree, but it is what it is. It’s something that I stand for. So that’s all.”