What we should focus on in Djokovic’s case

VLADAN LAUSEVIC

In January, media worldwide has been reporting the case of the superstar tennis player Novak “Nole” Djokovic. To make a long story short, Djokovic is against Covid-19 vaccination, he was initially denied entry to Australia for competition, then he was allowed entry without a Covid-pass, before being finally denied permission to play.

Much of the political and media discussion has focused on how the Australian government treated Djokovic. Especially among the right-wing-oriented media, whether in the USA or Europe, the Djokovic case was seen as additional evidence that the Australian government had acted in a repressive manner during the whole duration of the pandemic.

Many right-wing mass opinion-makers like Fox News anchor Tucker Carlsson and former far-right politician Nigel Farage, absurdly and ironically accused Australia of being an authoritarian state. Such criticism is made by the same individuals who admire Australia’s nationalist policies and practices regarding immigration, refugees, climate change, and the military industry.

Even in the case of Djokovic, there is a discussion influenced by radical nationalist identity politics. While much of the US media has been focusing on Djokovic’s status, much of the Balkan and Serb media has focused on a different narrative, connected with almost 30 years since the wars, destruction and crimes in former Yugoslavia.

Anti vax theories vs political situation

The Australian government’s treatment of Djokovic has been interpreted as one more example of how “the world is against the Serbs”. Anti-vaxxing conspiracy theories have been merged with war-time Serb nationalist conspiracy theories, on how the Yugoslav collapse and tragedy was organized by the USA, EU, NATO, Muslims, Jews, and others.

Djokovic should also be blamed for contributing to such irrational, inscrutable, and tribalist behaviours. Djokovic has had meetings, on several occasions, with radical nationalists and far-right extremists. Djokovic has also met with war-time allies of Yugoslav and Bosnian Serb Army general Ratko Mladic, a war criminal convicted by the ICTY (International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.)

Instead of focusing on Djokovic’s views on vaccinations and his right to choose not to be vaccinated, more media organisations and portals should focus on his political opinions about what happened during the Yugoslav wars and the current situation in Serbia. If Djokovic really sees himself as a democrat, he could, for example, start by promoting and defending human rights and democracy in Serbia, instead of promoting conspiracy theories and far-right attitudes that are contributing to hate, authoritarian backsliding, and acceptance of corruption.