Novak Djokovic shows solidarity with Serbian student run over by car during anti-government protests

Novak Djokovic showed his support for the injured Serbian student Sonja Ponjavic, who was run over by a car during the anti-government protests and blockades happening over the past week in Belgrade, Serbia. He did it after his win in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open.

Djokovic sailed through the third round in Melbourne with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 win over the Czech tennis player Tomas Machac. After which he took to the broadcast camera to leave a heartfelt note for the injured Sonja.

He further expressed his discontentment with this situation at the post-match press conference:

"I'm sending Sonja support, I was shocked when I saw it. I can't believe what's happening to you, what clicks in someone's head to run over another person, even a woman, a young student. I'm against violence, I call for peace."

The capital city of Serbia has been in a state of unrest since the past year due to protests against corruption and malpractices by the government. Djokovic used his platform to spread his message of harmony in the country and called to action against acts of violence against the protestors.

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Novak Djokovic once did not hesitate to comment on Kosovo's political unrest

Novak Djokovic pictured at the 2023 French Open | Image Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic has always been outspoken when it comes to socio-political issues, which he cares about. French Open 2023 witnessed another such incident of him taking to the broadcast camera to spread his message of non-violence.

The Serb wrote:

"Kosovo is the (heart symbol) of Serbia. Stop violence."

Novak Djokovic sign the camera at the 2023 French Open | Image Source: Getty

Djokovic reflected upon his connection with Kosova as his father hailed from the land and how the post-election political unrest was affecting not just the Kosovars but many Serbs stationed in Kosovo as well.

Even after getting a lot of criticism and hatred online with a possible threat of being warned by the tournament organizers, he did not hesitate to maintain a steady stance on this matter.

On the court, however, the Serb has been successful in maintaining his charm with the racket, albeit with a few hiccups occasionally due to his fitness. He has been making light-hearted jokes every now and then about his age as well in the post-match conferences, which helps the fans assume that his fitness issue is nothing major.

Djokovic is ready to take on another Czech, Jiri Lehecka, in the fourth round of the 2025 Australian Open on January 19, Sunday.