Novak Djokovic has been accused of doubtless inflaming pressure within the Balkans through the use of the French Open to state that Kosovo belongs to Serbia. After his first-round win in Paris, the Wimbledon champion wrote on the TV digital camera: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia! Stop violence.”

The controversial assertion got here after Nato peacekeepers got here underneath assault in northern Kosovo on Monday amid rising ethnic pressure. Kosovo declared independence in 2008 - and is recognised by the International Tennis Federation - however it's nonetheless claimed by Serbia.

Clashes started after police moved to put in new ethnic Albanian mayors following April elections boycotted by Kosovo’s Serbian minority. Djokovic is probably the most well-known Serb and has by no means shied away from controversy throughout his turbulent profession.

And Kosovo Tennis Federation ParsJeton Hadërgjonaj mentioned: "Potentially it can inflame the scenario. For such a public determine, on this event, on this huge occasion and (amid) this Ukraine-Russia battle, to present this sort of message is de facto not useful. We strongly suggest to our athletes to work for peace.

"It's not the primary time that Djokovic is doing this. He's frequently upsetting Kosovo. He steered he has roots from Kosovo as a result of his father was born in Kosovo.

"It's understandable he's connected with that part. But Kosovo is an independent country recognised by the ITF, Tennis Europe and the international community. But he continuously attacks us every time he can do it. In a basketball match in Belgrade one month ago, all the people in the stadium were chanting 'Kosovo is Serbia'. He was not shouting but he was doing the signs with his hand supporting that. That one was not very public, I reacted as well but this one was a big one."

In one other assertion, Hadërgjonaj added: "The comments made by Novak Djokovic at end of the Roland Garros match against Aleksandar Kovacevic, his declarations in the post-match press conference and his post on Instagram represent a series of deeply regrettable events. 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 world-wide event like the French Open, directly result in raising the level of tension between the two countries, Serbia and Kosovo.

"The Tennis Federation of Kosovo continues to strongly suggest athletes and sports-men to work for the peace and chorus from abusing of their place in sport for political functions."

According to the Olympics constitution, the elemental precept is that sporting organisations inside the Olympic motion ought to apply political neutrality. The ITF is recognised by the International Olympic Committee.We must react. Tomorrow we'll ship an official request for Djokovic to be charged, to have a effective. We will request from the ITF, the ATP and the French Tennis Federation.”

Speaking to the Serbian media after his first-round win over American Aleksandar Kovacevic, Djokovic mentioned: “As a Serb, it hurts me what is happening in Kosovo, our people have been expelled from the municipalities. I feel the responsibility as a public figure to show support, and I especially feel it as the son of a man who was born in Kosovo, This is the least I could do.”