Djokovic US Open win sparks Serbia vs Albania media row months after Kosovo view
Novak Djokovic’s historic triumph at the US Open has sparked a row between Serbian and Albanian media. The world No 1 became the first player in the Open Era to win a 24th Grand Slam title on Sunday. And one Serbian outlet noticed a lack of coverage from their Albanian counterparts. It comes months after Djokovic caused controversy for his comments about Kosovo.
Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 in the US Open final to win his fourth title in New York, five years after lifting his third. The victory had extra significance as it was his 24th overall Major, an unprecedented haul in the Open Era that also put him on par with Margaret Court’s all-time record.
The 36-year-old’s face was splashed across back pages across the world on Monday as the sporting world reacted to his historic achievement and the conclusion of the final Grand Slam tournament of the year. But a lack of media coverage in Albania has now sparked a row as Serbian outlet Telegraf criticised their silence on Djokovic’s feat.
Making some bold claims, they wrote: “After winning the record 24th Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic was breaking news in almost all the world’s media. But, as is the case in life, once again the Albanian media did not miss the opportunity to show how unprofessional they are, as was the case after Wimbledon, but also after Roland Garros and the Australian Open.
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“Namely, the main media from Albania and the so-called of Kosovo, did not see fit to inform, even with service information, that the Serb broke the all-time record for the number of Grand Slams.”
Telegraf also claimed that five key Albanian outlets – Gazeta Express, Koha Ditore, Koha Yone, Telegrafi and Zeri – failed to mention Djokovic’s victory in the US Open final. Instead, they covered Albania’s victory over Poland in the European Qualifiers qualifying round. But they did note that Telegrafi published an article about Djokovic earlier in the tournament.
The row comes months after Djokovic’s comments on Kosovo caused an uproar. During the French Open, the world No 1 wrote: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia! Stop violence,” on the TV camera. Kosovo declared independence in 2008 – something that is recognised by many countries around the world – but Serbia continues to claim the nation despite having no formal control.
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At the time of Djokovic’s message, tensions had flared as Nato peacekeepers clashed with Serb protesters in northern Kosovo. It came after police moved to install new ethnic Albanian mayors following elections in April which were boycotted by Kosovo’s Serbian minority.
In a strong response, Kosovo Tennis Federation vice-president ParsJeton Hadergjonaj said: “It’s not the first time that Djokovic is doing this. He’s continually provoking Kosovo. He suggested he has roots from Kosovo because his father was born in Kosovo. It’s understandable he’s connected with that part. But Kosovo is an independent country recognised by the ITF, Tennis Europe and the international community. But he continuously attacks us every time he can do it.”
During the French Open, Djokovic told Serbian media: “I feel the responsibility as a public figure, doesn’t matter in which field, to give support, especially as a son of a man born in Kosovo, I feel the need to give my support to them and to Serbia.
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