A mural of Novak Djokovic has been defaced in Serbia, with the artist who painted it sharing his anger on social media. The incident comes after Djokovic, who is one of the most successful sportsman in Serbia’s history, moved to Greece.
Djokovic claimed a record-extending 24th Grand Slam men’s title just over two years ago when he defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final of the US Open. He hasn’t been able to win a 25th title, but did reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams this year after appearing in the showpiece match at Wimbledon in 2024.
Djokovic has reportedly relocated to Athens, with his children said to be enrolled in a private and independent British school in the city.
The 38-year-old has found a place to live with his family in the southern suburbs of Athens and has already been spotted in the area.
His move to Greece came after he held multiple meetings with Greek Prime Minster Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The veteran tennis star had previously offered his support to student-led protests against Serbia’s president Aleksandar Vucic after 16 people were killed when a railway station collapsed in Novi Sad last November.
Serbian street artist and architect Andrej Josifovski, who is known as The Pianist, painted the mural of Djokovic on a wall in Belgrade earlier this year, which depicted the tennis star gesticulating during this year’s Wimbledon.
But the artist revealed on social media that his work had been ruined as he uploaded an image of the vandalism.
And he wrote: “Imagine that great patriot in an orange jacket and a cap, sneaking around at night, then stopping in front of Novak (YES, NOVAK!) – looking him in the eyes and throwing paint on his face and body.
“That’s the fine Serbian youth from the cage who just want to learn how to paint graffiti. We conquered the peak of the bottom long ago, but now we’re heading into the stratosphere.
“Don’t worry, my brother @djokernole, retaliation is coming – but without a mask, in broad daylight, the way we do it.”
The vandalism follows the 2023 defacement of a mural of Djokovic, which was painted in the town of Orahovac in western Kosovo.
The artwork was restored after white paint was thrown over it, but was vandalised for a second time a few months later when black lines were sprayed over it.
The second defacement came after Djokovic had written on the lens of a camera at the French Open: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia! No violence.”