Novak Djokovic to be hit with formal complaint from Kosova Tennis Federation for controversial French Open message: Reports

The Kosova Tennis Federation will reportedly launch a formal complaint against Novak Djokovic for the controversial message he wrote on the camera at the 2023 French Open.

Djokovic stirred up controversy when he wrote "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia! Stop violence," in Serbian following his opening round victory against Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(1). The 22-time Slam champion was presumably addressing the ongoing conflict between Serbia and Kosovo in his message.

On Monday, May 29, clashes between Serb protesters and around 25 NATO peacekeeping soldiers defending three town halls in northern Kosovo resulted in injuries to the soldiers.

The tension arose after ethnic Albanians attempted to move to their offices following elections that were boycotted by Serbs, who form the majority in the region. Despite Kosovo's independence being recognized by several countries worldwide, Serbia has refused to do so, considering the region part of the Serbian state.

This ongoing conflict has resulted in frequent violence and unrest, with both sides unwilling to compromise.

Novak Djokovic has faced criticism for his recent message, with many claiming it is likely to inflame the situation further. The Kosovo Tennis Federation has, as per Gazeta Blic, declared that they will seek disciplinary action against the former World No. 1 from both the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the French Open organizers.

Novak Djokovic had also come under criticism over this issue back in 2008, for his statement "Kosovo is Serbia."

"I am not holding back, I would do it again" - Novak Djokovic on his controversial camera note at French Open

The Serb pictured at the 2023 French Open

Novak Djokovic remains steadfast in his stance on the ongoing conflict between Kosovo and Serbia. Despite facing objections on social media, the Serb has reiterated that he would stand by his words again.

Djokovic also stated that the French Open organizers had not approached him regarding his camera message.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen – I heard that there have been many objections on social media – whether I will be punished … I am not holding back, I would do it again," he said in his post-match press conference.

Djokovic will next face Marton Fucsovics, in the second round scheduled for Wednesday, May 31. Fucsovics defeated Hugo Grenier 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-3 in the first round of the French Open.

Djokovic has emerged victorious in all four of his previous meetings with Fucsovics. Their most recent clash was at the 2021 Paris Masters, where Djokovic won in three sets.