A mural of Novak Djokovic in downtown Belgrade was vandalized with black paint after being interpreted as a gesture of support for student protests against President Aleksandar Vucic.
Djokovic, who recently moved to Athens with his family following a wave of criticism from government-aligned media outlets, has become a symbolic figure in demonstrations that continue to divide the country.
Next to the mural — which depicts Djokovic during the Wimbledon tournament — the phrase “Go on, go on! Why did you stop?” is written, referencing the student protests that have been taking place in Serbia for over a year against Vucic’s government.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia
Getty Images
The mural portrays Djokovic making a hand gesture he used to celebrate his victories at Wimbledon — mimicking the act of “pumping up” — a symbol adopted by student protesters to represent the idea of keeping pressure on the government.
However, Djokovic later stated that the gesture was merely inspired by a song called “Pump It Up,” which his children enjoy.
Despite this clarification, the tennis star has not hidden his sympathy for the student movement.
On multiple occasions, he has expressed support, even attending a basketball derby between Red Star and Partizan Belgrade wearing a sweatshirt that read “Students are champions.”
“Imagine that great patriot in an orange jacket and cap, sneaking out at night, stopping in front of Novak (HEY, NOVAK!) — looking him straight in the eyes and throwing paint all over his face and body,” wrote mural artist Andrej Josifovski on Instagram.
Just hours later, Josifovski restored the mural on Friday, accusing supporters of Vucic’s party of having vandalized it.
This year, Serbia also lost its ATP tournament, the Serbia Open, which has been officially relocated to Athens.
The decision came after months of negotiations, with organizers citing the inability to ensure the necessary conditions to hold the event in Belgrade on the scheduled date and format.
Although no official explanation was given, local media speculate that the tournament’s relocation — directed by Djokovic’s brother — is linked to Serbia’s current political climate.
Djokovic’s move to Athens followed sustained media attacks labeling him a “traitor” for showing support toward anti-government protests.
Meanwhile, the student movement continues to demand early elections, accusing President Vucic and his administration of corruption and authoritarianism.
Vucic, in turn, has branded the students and their supporters as “traitors” and “enemies of the state.”