Andy Murray seemingly defends Novak Djokovic amid Serb's Kosovo message backlash

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• Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray has seemingly come to Novak Djokovic's defense as the Briton suggests it is "unfair" to criticize athletes for just voicing their opinion on a certain matter. Following his French Open first-round win, Djokovic wrote on a camera lens: "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia.

End violence." Djokovic's political message drew criticism as even French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera publicly condemned the Serb's message and noted that "it should not happen again." Murray didn't name Djokovic when addressing the matter but it's pretty clear the Briton was referring to the Djokovic French Open situation.

“No athlete should be stopped from freedom of speech, I don’t think that’s fair. You often hear athletes, journalists, and commentators say that sports and politics shouldn’t mix, but they do," Murray said, via The Telegraph.

Murray seemingly comes to Djokovic's defense

Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the phrase "sports and politics shouldn't be mixed" has been often used. “When politics have supposedly influenced decisions that have been harmful to their [sportsmen] careers they argue sports and politics should not mix.

But then they’re more than happy to talk on matters that they agree with. They [athletes and players] like taking photos with prime ministers and world leaders. In many countries, prime ministers and government officials celebrate athletes’ victories and big wins.

They’re always around at sporting events and it is a privilege to be invited to the White House or Downing Street. We have a responsibility as athletes to try and bring people together and not necessarily to divide each other.

I think everyone should be allowed to voice their opinions, I think that’s very important. Just like it should be okay for everyone to disagree with them," Murray explained. In 2008, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia.

Since then, over 100 countries have recognized Kosovo as a sovereign nation. But Serbia still pretty much considers Kosovo to be a part of Serbia. With that being said, Kosovo hasn't been recognized as a sovereign nation by Serbia. In recent days, there have been tensions in northern Kosovo and that led to Djokovic speaking out.