Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest tennis players in history and he is also a fascinating character. The Serbian sensation has many interesting opinions about different topics and he is not shy in sharing his own ideas.
Unfortunately, Djokovic is often at the center of many controversies for what he says. It is true that quite often these words are taken out of context by some media just to make headlines more appealing.
Novak posted a heartfelt message on social media stating that he wants to express his own opinion without being labeled. He also stressed the fact that before being an athlete, he is a man with his own ideas like everyone else.
The Rio Tinto controversy
In the last few days, there were protests in Serbia after the government allowed Rio Tinto to extract lithium despite some health concerns. Novak also expressed his position against this decision, but that raised yet another controversy.
Novak posted the following statement:
“Given the current civil protests throughout Serbia that indicate the need for a serious and concrete approach to important environmental issues, I decided to address the public, convinced of the great importance of these topics for all of us.
I am aware that there are other demands that are heard at the protest, which have a political connotation.
I want to distance myself from ‘position’ and ‘opposition’, political currents of any kind. I have always tried to be apolitical. It bothers me that a person cannot emphasize his personal position and opinion on the basic elements for life and health such as Air, Water and Food without being “marked” as a leftist, rightist, oppositionist, democrat, progressive, socialist, etc.”
“Despite that, I personally choose to go public and say what I think about certain topics that I think are very important
. I have not hesitated in the past to take a stand and fight for tennis players and athletes who need a voice and help from some ‘louder’ names in our sport. Although it’s easy for me to often “get in my head” in the context of the media and the condemnation/criticism I have unfairly received and continue to receive, I will not give up fighting for justice and truth.”Novak Djokovic in 2021
Now the world no.1, Novak played his last match on the 3rd of December when he beat world no.30 Marin Cilic 6-4 6-2 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
This season the Serbian has managed to achieve a composed 55-7 record. The Serbian conquered 5 titles in 2021 at the Australian Open, in Belgrade, at the French Open, in Wimbledon and in Paris. Novak was the finalist in Rome and at the U.S. Open.
Novak Djokovic |
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