A mural of Novak Djokovic in Belgrade has been vandalised, sparking outrage from the artist who created it. The incident follows the Serbian tennis legend’s recent relocation to Greece, where he has reportedly settled with his family in the southern suburbs of Athens.
The mural, painted earlier this year by Serbian street artist Andrej Josifovski, known as The Pianist — depicted Djokovic gesturing during the 2024 Wimbledon final. Josifovski shared images of the vandalized artwork on social media, condemning those responsible and vowing to restore it.
«Imagine that great patriot… sneaking around at night and throwing paint on Novak’s face,» the artist wrote, adding, «Don’t worry, my brother @djokernole, retaliation is coming — in broad daylight, the way we do it.»
Djokovic, 38, remains one of Serbia’s most celebrated athletes, having won 24 Grand Slam titles and reached the semi-finals of all four majors this year. His move to Athens follows meetings with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and comes after he voiced support for student-led protests in Serbia last year.
The vandalism recalls previous defacements of Djokovic murals in Kosovo in 2023, following his statement at the French Open declaring, «Kosovo is the heart of Serbia! No violence.»
