French minister criticizes Djokovic over Kosovo

French Sports Minister Amelie Odia Castera has criticised Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic for his message on Kosovo as "inappropriate", warning the Serbian star. Djokovic, who is currently participating in the French Open (Roland Garros) where he is competing for his twenty-third title in the four Grand Slam tournaments, had written on the lens of a television camera aimed at him: "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence!" , after winning their first-round match at Roland Garros on Monday.

Violence erupted in Kosovo earlier this week after protests by Serb residents against the inauguration of ethnic Albanian mayors. Dozens of NATO peacekeepers and Serb residents were injured. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, and although it has been recognized by most of the international community, Serbia still does not.

French Sports Minister Odia Castera, who was a professional tennis player, told France 2: "When it comes to defending human rights and uniting people in terms of universal values, any athlete is allowed to do so." But she added that Djokovic's message was "very strict and political" and should not be repeated.

The minister explained that tournament director Emily Maurismo spoke to Djokovic and his team, explaining to him the principles of "neutrality". The tournament organisers have not made up their minds about the possibility of taking action against the 36-year-old Serbian star, who is proud to be a Serbian and has previously revealed his view on Kosovo. The Kosovo Olympic Committee and the Kosovo Tennis Federation have filed complaints, asking the IOC to request an investigation and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to impose disciplinary sanctions on Djokovic.