Roland Garros 2023: ‘Grand Slam without psychodrama, impossible for me’, Novak Djokovic’s tumultuous start

Almost every other day since the start of the 2023 edition of Roland Garros, almost all eyes have been on one player: Novak Djokovic. Nothing new under the sun to flood the halls of the Porte d’Auteuil this year. From the beginning of his career, the Serb got used to being talked about on the pitch as much as he was off it. Following the politico-sanitary standoff at the 2022 Australian Open, the world No. 3 polarized the debate on geopolitical grounds as she entered the Grand Slam in Paris.

“Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. stop the violence” The former circle boss, whose father was born in Kosovo, was registered on Monday, May 29, on a traditional dedicated camera. of players. Sent “activist”, “very political”Convicted Amelie Oudéa-Castéra, France 2, during an outbreak of violence in the north of the country, where demonstrators from the Serbian minority clashed with NATO forces stationed there.

When reporters told him the sports minister’s words on Wednesday night after his second-round victory over Hungary’s Marton Fuchsovic (7-6, 6-0, 6-3), Djokovic was terse. ” no comment “, Confirming his words, without repetition, at the press conference:

– After all your adventures in recent years, you’d think you’d want a Grand Slam tournament experience without the psychodrama. Can you enlighten us on the way of your opinion, isn’t there a little voice in you that was saying to itself: is it really worth it? [d’inscrire ce message] Given how explosive the topic is?

“I don’t regret doing it. I know a lot of people don’t agree with me, but it’s true. A Grand Slam without psychodrama, I don’t think it’s possible for me, and I think it motivates me.

Dr. Novak, Mr. “Joker”

The Serb is not satisfied with playing arsonists, he asserts and signs, smiling. Regardless of whether he’s being criticized, belittled, criticized or even fired, Novak Djokovic is never as hungry for a racket in his hand as when he’s in trouble. Between the need to be loved as much as his rivals Federer and Nadal, which becomes obsessive, and his repeated provocations, the character is difficult to understand. Dr. Novak, Mr. “Joker.” “I don’t know if he will be punished or not.” If they fine me, I won’t regret it.” He added on Monday, insisting on being present “Against war, against violence, against all kinds of conflict”.