Paris (France) (AFP) - Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic said that he hopes that the student movement in Serbia will mark a "new beginning for the country", in the wake of its electoral victory over former President Aleksandar Vucic, who has controlled power since 2012.
Published on: 03/11/2026 - 09:09
After nearly two years of anti-government protests, on October 25, the student-backed list achieved a historic victory in early elections called by Vucic.
The results of these elections ended 14 years of dominance by the right-wing nationalist party led by Vucic.
The victory of the student-led movement was the culmination of long-standing protests that were sparked by the collapse of the roof of a railway station in Novi Sad in 2024, killing 16 people.
Djokovic has publicly expressed his support for student protests on several occasions.
Djokovic (39 years old) said in a press conference on the sidelines of the Paris 1000 Points Masters tournament, “I will not discuss or comment on the past, as the past is the past. I hope that this will be a new beginning for the country.”
Although Djokovic has previously avoided making political comments, he has repeatedly expressed his support for the student movement over the past two years.
His positions strained his relationship with the Serbian authorities, and made him a target for pro-government media.
The winner of 24 Grand Slam titles added, "I am a patriot, but I have always represented my people, not the government. There is a big difference between the two matters."
He continued, "I am happy with these changes, and I hope that our country will witness a wonderful and prosperous future."
Djoko moved from Serbia to settle in Greece last year.
© 2026 AFP
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