Djokovic Says He Represents People, Not Government
The 39-year-old tennis star, ranked world No. 11, addressed criticism from Serbian leaders at the Paris Masters.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Tennis
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Novak Djokovic said he has always represented his people and not the government, responding when asked at the Paris Masters about criticism from those in power in Serbia. He said he is happy with recent changes in Serbia and hopes for prosperity in the country's future.
Why it matters
Many believed Djokovic left Serbia because he publicly backed student protesters, and he was reportedly a target for the Serbian government. His remarks offer a rare public comment on a relocation that has drawn attention beyond tennis.
Djokovic is ranked world No. 11 at age 39 and has won 103 career titles. The family operated an ATP 250 tournament in Belgrade, which was staged in Athens last year and is not being held this year.
The players
Novak Djokovic
A Serbian tennis champion widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport's history.
Aleksandar Vucic
The president of Serbia, whose government Djokovic was reportedly at odds with.
The details
Djokovic declined to discuss the past when asked about criticism from Serbian leaders, instead saying he has always represented his people. He never publicly spoke out against President Aleksandar Vucic or his party, according to the extraction.
Timeline
Last year: The Djokovic family relocated from Serbia to Greece after his US Open semi-final loss.
Last year: The family's ATP 250 event was staged in Athens.
This week: Djokovic competes at the Paris Masters against Valentin Vacherot.
Season Trajectory
Djokovic's family relocated from Serbia to Greece in 2025, shortly after his US Open semi-final loss. His remarks at the Paris Masters now offer the first public framing of that move in the context of his home country's politics.
Djokovic's current ranking of No. 11 and his Paris Masters match against Valentin Vacherot affect how his season and results are tracked in the rankings. The family's ATP 250 event not being held this year removes a tournament from the Belgrade calendar.
The takeaway
Public statements from athletes about their home countries can carry weight beyond sport, and readers may want to watch how Djokovic's relationship with Serbia develops. His comments suggest he is looking forward rather than dwelling on the past.
Further reading
Follow the latest from the Tennis section for more on Djokovic's season and tournament schedule.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EXPRESS.
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