Novak Djokovic conveyed his condolences following a mass shooting incident in Montenegro that resulted in the deaths of twelve people, including two children.
A 45-year-old man, identified as Aco Martinovic, fired shots at several locations in the Montenegran town of Cetinje, reportedly due to anger over a bar brawl. He eventually shot himself in the head after the bloody rampage and died shortly afterwards, police said.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion took to social media to mourn the incident. Djokovic posted a picture of a candle on his Instagram stories as a mark of tribute to those affected by the tragedy.
"Cetinje," he captioned his tribute.
Following a referendum, Montenegro declared independence from Serbia, Djokovic's home country, in June 2006. The move dissolved the Serbia-Montenegro federation, which had been established following the erstwhile Yugoslavia's breakup.
Notably, Montenegro's National Security Council has resolved to tighten gun laws after the tragic incident. The suspect reportedly used a 9mm pistol, procured illegally, to carry out the rampage. Montenegro ranks sixth globally in illegal weapons per capita, as per reports.
Novak Djokovic is set to challenge for his 11th Australian Open title
Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic is set to launch his campaign for his 25th major at the Australian Open, which will be held from January 12-26. He began his season at the Brisbane International, taking part in the tune-up event for the first time in nine years.
However, the Serb came up short against the Reilly Opelka, who whizzed 16 aces past the Serbian en route to a straight-sets victory 7-6(6), 6-3. The American, who is making a return after a string of career-threatening injuries, has moved into the final with a victory over fellow big-server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Novak Djokovic also participated in the doubles in Brisbane alongside the returning Nick Kyrgios. Despite winning their opener, they were dispatched in the next round by the top-seeded pairing of Nikola Mektic of Croatia and New Zealander Michael Venus.
After an injury-interrupted 2024 season, the Serb has resolved to prioritize majors this season and enter more tournaments.
"Next year, I will play more tournaments, and the Grand Slams will be my priority. I will give my best to win, of course, if my body allows me to," he has said (via Gazzatto dello Sport).
This year, the Serb's box will be bolstered by the addition of former World No. 1 and 3-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray as coach.
Despite being unable to win any majors last year, Novak Djokovic finally sealed the only big title in tennis missing from his cabinet: a singles gold at the Olympic Games.
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