Novak Djokovic mural vandalized after he left Serbia

Just weeks after tennis player Novak Djokovic and his family moved from Serbia to Greece, a mural honoring Djokovic has been vandalized.

Djokovic is still facing a wave of fierce criticism in Serbia - Photo: REUTERS

Last September, tennis player Novak Djokovic caused a stir when he decided to leave his home country of Serbia to find a new life in Athens, Greece.

The move comes after months of heavy criticism from pro- Serbian media for his public support of student protests.

Specifically, the tennis player who owns 24 Grand Slam titles expressed solidarity with students protesting after the collapse of the train station roof in Novi Sad that killed 16 people.

The students allege the incident is a result of corruption in the administration of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. At the same time, they demand political reform.

Djokovic had previously made his stance clear on social media: "As a deep believer in the power of youth and their desire for a better future, I believe it is important that their voices are heard.

Serbia has great potential and educated youth is the country's greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. Together with you, Novak."

After Djokovic moved, the political tension turned to vandalism. A mural in Belgrade depicting Djokovic in the traditional white tennis outfit at Wimbledon, completed earlier this year, was splashed with paint.

Image of Djokovic in Serbia (left) was splashed with paint after he moved to Greece to live - Photo: Dailymail

Behind the political noise, the Djokovic family is settling into their new life in the southern suburbs of Athens. His two children, Stefan (11) and Tara (8), were enrolled in the international private school Saint Lawrence College in England in September.

There is speculation that Djokovic is considering applying for Greece's Golden Visa, which grants residency in exchange for investment. He even met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis twice before enrolling his children.

On the Serbian side, President Vucic tried to ease tensions, stressing that he would never say anything bad about the tennis legend.

Still, Djokovic's decision to leave his homeland after being targeted for political reasons remains a huge blow to many Serbians, and has been a major story in international headlines.

TUAN LONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/buc-tranh-tuong-cua-novak-djokovic-bi-pha-hoai-sau-khi-anh-roi-khoi-serbia-20251023122056591.htm