Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has revealed he had some blunt words for tennis icon Novak Djokovic. The controversial statesman has broken his silence on Djokovic after the 24-time Grand Slam winner departed Serbia with his family.<\/p>\n
Djokovic, his wife, Jelena, and their two children, Stefan and Tara, now live in Athens, Greece<\/a>, after choosing to leave Belgrade last year. It has been suggested that the upheaval is due to a ‘smear’ campaign against him by pro-Vucic national media.<\/p>\n The Australian Open runner-up<\/a>, 38, has previously lent support to youth-led anti-government protests. \u201cAs 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,” Djokovic wrote on X in March 2025.<\/p>\n “Serbia has enormous potential, and educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak.”<\/p>\n Speaking to TV Pink, as quoted by Sport Klub, Vucic revealed that he would not be cowed by Djokovic’s views and that he had a firm message for the Serbian sports hero.<\/p>\n “I told him what I thought, now I would say it in a harsher way, not towards him, but towards the situation we were in,\u201d Vucic said.<\/p>\n \u201cI will not change my beliefs under the influence of any sports, acting or entertainment star.\u201d<\/p>\n Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate<\/a>or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings<\/p>\n However, Vucic did praise Djokovic\u2019s performance at the Australian Open<\/a> earlier this year and hopes the veteran can continue to find more success. \u201cI wholeheartedly support Djokovic and all the people who wear the Serbian tricolour, and [I am] looking forward to his success,\u201d Vucic said.<\/p>\n