A mural depicting Novak Djokovic in Belgrade has been vandalised, marking the latest incident targeting the tennis champion following his September relocation to Greece with his family.
The artwork, created by Serbian street artist and architect Andrej Josifovski, known as The Pianist, was defaced with paint thrown across the tennis star's face and body.
The mural had portrayed Djokovic in his traditional white tennis attire during this year's Wimbledon Championships.
The vandalism occurred weeks after the 38-year-old tennis legend departed Serbia for Athens, where he has established a new residence in the southern suburbs.
Novak Djokovic has moved to Athens after he and his family were targeted in Serbia
|REUTERS
The incident has prompted an angry response from Josifovski, who discovered the damage to his work on Tuesday and shared images of the defacement on social media platforms.
Djokovic has established his family in Athens after enrolling his children at Saint Lawrence College, a private British independent school in the Greek capital.
His 11-year-old son Stefan and eight-year-old daughter Tara began attending the institution in September.
The tennis champion held several meetings with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis before making the move.
He has been seen at the Kavouri Tennis Club, where he played tennis with his son whilst wearing flip-flops and posed for photographs with fans.
Reports suggest the 24-time Grand Slam winner is contemplating membership at either Kavouri or 91 Athens Riviera tennis clubs.
A mural of Novak Djokovic was defaced in Serbia
|There is also speculation that he may seek a Greek Golden Visa, which provides residency rights in return for financial investment in the country.
The tennis champion's departure from Serbia followed his public backing of student-led demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vucic.
The protests erupted after a railway station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad last November, claiming 16 lives.
Students blamed alleged government corruption for the tragedy and demanded political reform.
Djokovic expressed his support through social media, writing: "As someone who deeply believes in the power of youth and their desire for a better future, I believe it is important that their voices are heard."
He added: "Serbia has enormous potential, and its educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak."
The tennis star also wore a jumper bearing the message "students are champions" at a basketball match earlier this year.
Novak Djokovic fled Serbia for Greece amid a free speech row
| PAHis stance drew fierce criticism from media outlets aligned with President Vucic's government.
Josifovski expressed his fury on Instagram, writing: "Imagine that great patriot in an orange jacket and a cap, sneaking around at night, then stopping in front of Novak (YES, NOVAK!) - looking him in the eyes and throwing paint on his face and body."
The artist blamed Serbian youth for the attack, stating: "That's the fine Serbian youth from the cage who just want to learn how to paint graffiti.
"We conquered the peak of the bottom long ago, but now we're heading into the stratosphere."
This is not the first time that artwork featuring Novak Djokovic has been targeted
|REUTERS
He vowed retribution, declaring: "Don't worry, my brother @djokernole, retaliation is coming - but without a mask, in broad daylight, the way we do it."
This is not the first time artwork featuring Djokovic has been targeted. In 2023, a mural in Orahovac, western Kosovo, was vandalised twice with paint attacks.