Novak Djokovic, after the political change in Serbia: “I deeply admire that young people have managed to break the cult of a single person, now we all have hope in our country”

The Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovicformer world tennis number 1, congratulated the students of his country on Tuesday for having defeated, despite enormous pressure, the almighty Aleksandar Vucic in the legislative elections on Sunday in Serbia.

“I congratulate you on your victory. I deeply admire that you have managed to break the cult of the personality of a single person, unify the entire process and awaken hope and pride in the people,” he said. ‘Nole’ to the Belgrade online newspaper ‘Telegraf’.

The tennis player assured that the “pressure against the students was enormous”, which is why he is “exceptionally proud of the young people, their perseverance, their fight and their faith that they have shown in recent years.”

He winner of 24 Grand Slamswho at 39 years old is still active, highlighted that the call ‘Student List’created by a student movement that has been denouncing endemic corruption and growing authoritarianism in Serbia for two years, awakened hope and brought a positive atmosphere to the country.

“His behavior has generated this pride in all the people, not only in Serbia. The victory gives us security; now we all have hope in our country, that everything will advance and that we will enjoy the future,” said Djokovic, currently number 12 in the ATP world rankings.

In the past, the player had already expressed his support for the student movement, for which he was harshly attacked by Vucic and his related media.

Djokovic, who has not lived in Serbia for about 20 years, moved his family’s habitual residence to Athens (Greece) last year.

Another great Serbian athlete, the former basketball player They leave Bodiroga53 years old and former star of clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Panathinaikos, ran in the elections as a candidate on the Student List.

In sports, Djokovic said at a press conference this Tuesday, the eve of his debut against Ugo Humbert in it Basel ATP (Switzerland)who has proven to himself and everyone else that he can still “compete at the highest level.”

Djokovic is currently in 11th place in the ‘Race To Turin’, still with options to qualify for the ATP Finals that will bring together the eight best tennis players of the season from November 15 to 22 in the Italian city.

Djokovic confirmed that regaining confidence in his physique has been his main objective, after a year marked by difficulties. “For me, honestly, the main goal in the last twelve months has been to feel better on the court because I have been through a lot of problems this year,” said Djokovic, who has a record of 19-8 in 2026.

“I have been improving. I feel much better, in general, and if I feel better, I know I play better. I have shown myself and others that I can still compete at the highest level,” he added.

The 102nd title of his career, achieved at the ATP 500 in Beijing at the beginning of this month, has been a boost in the final stretch of the season, which he will now try to transfer to Basel to take another leap towards the Masters.

“I changed my calendar because I needed to balance things in my life: my children and my wife, as well as other things I’m doing. I want to spend more time with my family, but at the same time enjoy my passion for playing tennis at the highest level. And that’s what’s happening right now. I think I’m managing it well,” explained the Serbian.

Djokovic needs a great performance in Basel to continue aspiring for one of the five places that have yet to be assigned for the ATP Finals.

The Spanish Rafa Jodar He is the ninth classified in the ‘Live Race’ and also competes in Basel, where he has advanced to the second round. The Australian Alex de Minaur, who is tenth and has a 90-point advantage over Djokovic, also secured a place in the second round of the ATP 500 in Vienna.

This week, Djokovic is chasing his 103rd crown, which would allow him to equal Roger Federer’s record, the second highest number in history. The Swiss won the last title of her career, the 103rd, in Basel in 2019.