Novak Djokovic's father target of smear campaign in retaliation for Serbian supporting protests against President Vucic

Reports have surfaced that Srdjan Djokovic, father of former World No.1 Novak Djokovic, has been targeted with a character assassination campaign by Serbian media.

The campaign allegedly originated after 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic publicly voiced his support for students in Serbia who are protesting against Aleksandar Vucic, the country's president. The students have been speaking out against Vucic as they demand for systematic change in the government.

In a report by German newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung, journalist Jaschar Dugalic discussed how the narrative around Djokovic changed after the ATP superstar's decision to move his family to Athens, Greece became public.

"When information reached the public that Djokovic and his family were planning to move to Athens, the same newspaper labeled him a false patriot, who had presented himself as a symbol of Serbia for years, only to now flee to Greece," wrote Dugalic.

Smear campaign was initiated by an ally of the president, says Dugalic

The journalist highlighted how the campaign against Srdjan Djokovic was kicked off by an associate of president Vucic. This ally happens to be a Serbian entrepreneur and has also been firmly outspoken against the students protests.

"A few days ago, an entrepreneur, an opponent of the protest, published a video in which he links Djokovic's father to an alleged pedophile," continues Dugalic. "Vucic himself presents himself as a calm father of the nation.
"After Djokovic failed to reach the Wimbledon final, there was no mockery. On the contrary: 'That man is a legend of Serbia. I support him wholeheartedly. He can speak against me as much as he wants and support my opponents. But to say something bad about him – that is stupid and ridiculous,' the 'Informer' quoted the president."

Dugalic is referring to comments made by Vucic after Djokovic failed to reach the final at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships. Conversely, although the 24-time Grand Slam champion has sided with the students against Vucic, Djokovic has refrained from making any public statements about the president. The former World No.1 recently announced he would not be competing at next week's Cincinnati Open.