Djokovic says he ‘stands for his words’ regarding Kosovo

Novak Djokovic was criticized after his previous match for comments about clashes in northern Kosovo between ethnic Serbs and NATO-led peacekeepers, but the 22-time major champion stayed away from political matters on Wednesday night.

When he won 7-6 (2), 6-0, 6-3 over Marton Fucsovics in the second round of the French Open Djokovic wrote on the lens of a TV camera — a custom at more and more tennis tournaments — and kept it simple, with an autograph and a smiley face.

It was quite different from what happened after his win Monday, when Djokovic drew attention for writing in Serbian, “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence,” and then speaking out about the matter at a news conference with reporters from his home country.

Serbian Novak Djokovic has defended writing “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence” on a camera following his first round win at the French Open.https://t.co/aLg7sRbych pic.twitter.com/eVQMUuze96

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“Of course I’m aware that a lot of people would disagree, but it is what it is. It’s something that I stand for. So that’s all. Drama-free Grand Slam — I don’t think it can happen for me,” Djokovic said Wednesday. “You know, I guess that drives me, as well.”