Novak Djokovic made a statement on youth protests against the Serbian government on Thursday, sparking controversy on the internet with fans giving divided reactions. The Serbian government headed by President Aleksandar Vucic is facing increasing public dissent, with citizens demanding democratic changes.

The protests flared up after a concrete canopy collapsed at a Novi Sad railway station taking the lives of 15 people. The protesters reportedly attributed the concrete collapse to large-scale corruption in the country.

Protests were mainly headed by university students who staged a rally in front of Serbia’s state television headquarters in Belgrade. Djokovic took to social media to extend his support for the students, emphasizing that their voices should be duly heard. He opined that the country’s potential rested on the educated youth.

“As someone who deeply believes in the strength of young people and their desire for a better future, I believe it is important for their voices to be heard,” the Serb wrote on X.

“Serbia has enormous potential and educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak,” he added.

Djokovic’s statement drew polarizing reactions from netizens. One user supported the Serb’s remarks, emphasizing how he “subtly” backed the students without intending to stir any sort of violence.

“Most criticize him for reacting mildly, but it is important to understand that he does not want to, nor should he, be the trigger for any violent actions from any side, nor bear responsibility for them. He supported the students subtly and at the right time – thank him for that!,” the user wrote.

Meanwhile, another user said that the Serb should remain silent on this matter.

“You better keep quiet,” they wrote.

A third user maintained that the 24-time Grand Slam champion did “more for Serbs than anyone” in the past century.

“This man has done more for Serbs and Serbia than anyone in the last 100 years. He is not Jesus to take the fight of the entire country on his back. He wrote a message of support in his own manner and thank him for everything. It is up to us to deal with the rest as best we can,” the fan wrote. (Translated from Serbian)

Another user asked the Serb if anyone had sought his opinion on the matter.

“Novak “I think”! It means as if we asked him for his opinion, and he gave us his opinion! and we asked him to support the Students! Well, that’s nothing, just Nole’s opinion!,” their comment read.

Djokovic has supported the Serbian youth on multiple occasions. His foundation, established in 2007, helped improve the lives of children in Serbia.

“We suffered a lot” – Novak Djokovic on living his childhood in war-ravaged Serbia

Novak Djokovic reflected on his childhood, living in war-ravaged Serbia during the early 1990s. The country suffered dreadful impacts from wars that erupted in the Balkan region during this period.

In an interview with La Nacion in October this year, Djokovic explained the sufferings Serbs went through after multiple wars. He also recalled the economic crisis during the late 1990s when imports and exports were hampered.

“In recent history, the last hundred years—World War I, World War II and especially now, in the last 30 years–we suffered a lot, not only us, but also Croatia and Bosnia. I remember the second part of the 1990s and our country was under sanctions and an embargo, meaning we couldn’t export or import anything,” the Serb said.

On the tennis front, Novak Djokovic last played at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, where he lost to Jannik Sinner in the final. He will return to the tour at the Brisbane International, which commences on December 29.