ATP faces backlash for missing Serbian flag on Djokovic's profile
The ATP website has launched a subpage dedicated to the upcoming Wimbledon. On Novak Djokovic’s profile, the Serbian flag was missing. When fans in the tennis player’s homeland noticed this, they sparked an uproar online.
6:07 PM EDT, June 20, 2024
Novak Djokovic is Serbia's most popular athlete. His fame in his home country remains unchallenged, even during Euro 2024 when the national team participated. It's hard to imagine his compatriots' despair when the 37-year-old tennis player eventually ends his professional career.
Novak Djokovic has won Wimbledon seven times. He first triumphed on the grass courts in London in 2011, with his most recent victory in 2022. Last season, Djokovic reached the final but was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz, thus missing out on completing a Grand Slam.
Tennis players are preparing for this year's Wimbledon, the prestigious tournament that will take place before the Olympic Games in Paris. The ATP website launched a subpage dedicated to Wimbledon, which sparked a minor controversy.
The Serbian flag was missing on Novak Djokovic's profile. In the case of players from Russia or Belarus, the absence of their national flags would be justified, as they cannot represent their nations on the courts. For Serbia, there was no other explanation other than negligence.
Novak Djokovic’s fans sparked an online uproar. They flooded ATP's inbox with complaints and actively responded on social media. The organization’s reaction was swift, and soon the flag appeared on the profile of the seven-time Wimbledon champion.
Serbian fans are wondering if he will play in this year’s Wimbledon. He has recently struggled with health issues and mentioned months ago that his target event this season is the Olympic Games in Paris. Switching quickly from grass to clay could negatively impact Djokovic’s health after Wimbledon.
