Don’t Leave Me – Episode 242

Novak Djokovic wrote a political message about Kosovo on a camera lens after beginning his quest for a record 23rd men’s Grand Slam singles title with victory at the French Open.Serbia’s Djokovic claimed a 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7-1) win over Aleksandar Kovacevic.After beating the American, Djokovic wrote: “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence.”The statement was a reference to recent tension in Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

Serbia has never recognised Kosovo’s independence and there has been violence in the past days following the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors in the north of the country, with police and Nato troops clashing with Serb protesters.

Speaking to Serbian journalists, Djokovic, whose father was born in Kosovo, said: “This is the least I could have done. I feel the responsibility as a public figure – doesn’t matter in which field – to give support.Especially as a son of a man born in Kosovo, I feel the need to give my support to our people and to the entirety of Serbia.My stance is clear: I am against wars, violence and any kind of conflict, as I’ve always stated publicly.

I am very sorry for the situation that we are in – Kosovo is our heart, our stronghold, the centre of historically most important events for our country, the biggest battle happened there, our most important monasteries and temples are there.”

The French Tennis Federation, organiser of the Roland Garros event, said there are no official rules on what players can or cannot say at Grand Slams.Djokovic was involved in a political row at January’s Australian Open after his father, Srdjan, was filmed posing for pictures with supporters

The US Open champion cruised through the first two sets before eventually taking his fifth match point after Cobolli had threatened to force a fourth set.

The 20-year-old will face Japan’s Taro Daniel next as he continues his bid for a second major title.

Asked about his approach to the sport after Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas yesterday described him as a “breath of fresh air”, Alcaraz said: “I heard that Stefanos said he was starting to enjoy his tennis more because of me.For me it’s the most important thing to enjoy and smile on court.”Djokovic was forced to play a third set tie-break against the 114nd-ranked Kovacevic, who is of Serbian heritage, after being broken as he served for the match in the 10th game.

That came after the crowd had booed his celebration when he broke back against the American midway through the set.I played well in the first two sets but then I missed opportunities and lost a little focus,” Djokovic, who will face Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics next, said.