As student protests gain traction in New Delhi, tennis champion Novak Djokovic’s backing of the student movement in Serbia is again in the spotlight. Djokovic, who holds a remarkable 24 Grand Slam titles, has been a visible advocate for Serbian students since protests erupted following a tragic incident at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024.
The turmoil began after a concrete canopy at the renovated Novi Sad station collapsed on November 1, 2024, tragically killing 16 individuals. This unfortunate event ignited public anger, leading students to accuse the government of corruption and negligence, sparking a nationwide movement seeking accountability. Djokovic quickly emerged as one of the movement’s most prominent supporters.
In December 2024, he voiced his support, emphasizing that Serbia’s educated youth represented the nation’s greatest asset and deserved to be heard. A month later, during the Australian Open, he further demonstrated his commitment by writing “For Sonja” on a camera after a match, honoring student Sonja Ponjavic, who was severely injured during a protest. Djokovic explained that he wanted to stand with those striving for a better future and couldn’t remain silent amid the ongoing situation in his home country.
His involvement didn’t stop there. He was spotted at a basketball derby in Belgrade wearing a hoodie that read “Students are Champions,” a slogan linked to the protests. In March 2025, he and his wife, Jelena, referred to a massive student rally of over 100,000 attendees as “historic,” reinforcing the movement’s significance.
Even during Wimbledon 2025, Djokovic was a central topic of discussion. His celebration after a victory was interpreted as a nod to the protesters’ slogan. However, he later clarified that it was simply a personal moment with his children and not a political statement. Yet, as the US Open approached, his remarks indicated a serious concern about the political unrest in Serbia, warning that the country was “literally on the brink of civil war.”
Later that year, he also expressed solidarity with Dijana Hrka, whose son lost his life in the Novi Sad tragedy, supporting her hunger strike outside Parliament for accountability. Djokovic’s ongoing support for the students came with consequences. Some pro-government media, which had once elevated him as a national hero, began to criticize him harshly.
In Belgrade, a mural dedicated to Djokovic was defaced, and he eventually moved his family to Greece to escape increasing tensions and media hostility. Still, he refused to back away from the students or their quest for accountability, choosing instead to highlight the importance of peaceful protests and the right to question those in power.
As India faces its own wave of student protests, Djokovic’s situation has drawn renewed attention. Thousands of students in New Delhi are rallying for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over allegations of examination paper leaks and concerns about the evaluation process.
These protests began last month after claims of leaks in the medical entrance examination impacted around two million students. The demonstrations escalated this week, with tens of thousands marching towards Parliament, leading to clashes with police who used tear gas and batons, resulting in several injuries.
The student movement’s momentum has spread to other cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and others, as demands for accountability continue to resonate throughout the nation.
