Novak Djokovic Joins Forces with the Ongoing Demonstrations in Serbia
In the ongoing Wimbledon 2025 tournament, tennis star Novak Djokovic has advanced to the third round, continuing his impressive run on the grass court. However, the focus has shifted towards his unique celebration gesture, which has sparked debate and speculation.
After each win, Djokovic raises his fists and pumps them towards the ground, sides, and above his head. This motion, while seemingly innocent, has been interpreted in multiple ways, particularly in the context of the student protest movement in Serbia, where the phrase "pump" is used to symbolize maintaining pressure on the government.
However, Djokovic has clarified that his celebration is a personal and lighthearted tradition with his children. He explained that it is related to a song called "Pump It Up," which they enjoy and perform after each win. The tennis star emphasized that the gesture is not intended to carry any political message.
Djokovic's support for the student protests in Serbia, called "Pumpaj!", has been significant for many in his home country. In early 2022, he faced international uproar and widespread solidarity in Serbia when he was deported from Australia due to his vaccination status. This incident further solidified his standing as a symbol of resistance for many Serbians.
Despite his open support for the protests, there has been silence from government circles regarding Djokovic's new gesture. The future of Djokovic's tennis academy, based on the club grounds, remains uncertain, with a move abroad being considered a possibility.
In April 2025, an incident involving President Vucič reading a supposed fan letter from a child, originally mentioning Djokovic but edited to mention NBA player Nikola Jokić instead, caused controversy. This incident underscores the political climate in Serbia, where criticism is quickly criminalized, and open confrontations are often avoided.
Djokovic's family-organized ATP tournament in Belgrade was terminated in 2023 due to a conflict with the city administration. Plans to upgrade the tournament to a higher ATP level also fell through. Despite these setbacks, Djokovic has kept his political views private throughout his career, only recently expressing his support for the student protests.
In a political climate where open expressions of support can be met with backlash, Djokovic's symbolic show of solidarity with the protest movement is a strong signal. Whether intentionally or not, his celebration gesture has become a powerful symbol, stirring emotions and discussions among fans and critics alike.
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Despite the controversy surrounding his unique celebration gesture, Novak Djokovic's focus remains on his tennis career, aiming to secure victories on the court. However, his continued support for the student protest movement in Serbia, whether through his celebration or public statements, has not gone unnoticed and adds another layer to his complex public image.
