Novak Djokovic: A dangerous overstep from his profession?
25 February 2025
Tennis star Novak Djokovic is no stranger to dominating headlines – whether for breaking Grand Slam records or dodging vaccinations. Now, he's getting involved in local Montenegrin politics.
His sheer fame got him a meeting with none other than the Montenegrin prime minister, where he lobbied to reopen Sveti Stefan, a luxurious resort island closed since 2021. The resort’s hotels closed as the managing companies claimed that they could no longer guarantee the privacy of their guests, after locals protested by removing beach fences, demanding public access.
Beside the privacy (thanks to its exclusive nature) and luxurious accommodation, the island offered a place for political conferences, elite chess tournaments and a casino. It was a major draw for the wealthy to enjoy, hidden from the spotlight, including celebrities like Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, and Princess Margaret.
Whether the island will actually reopen is not yet known, but Djokovic is determined to leverage his influence to this cause - but one has to wonder what is 'in it' for the tennis player. – except, perhaps, patriotism.
"I have always been a pacifist towards all people and nations in the region. Because we were once the same country. My mother's family is completely Croatian. She was born in Belgrade, but they are all Croats. On my father's side? Montenegro and Kosovo. I was born in Serbia," said Djokovic recently.
This isn't the first time Djokovic, who married his wife at Sveti Stefan and named his son Stefan, has engaged in Montenegro's affairs. In 2020, he publicly supported protests against Montenegro's religious law, aligning with the Serbian Orthodox Church and ethnic Serbs.
 | Milica Lipovac Giving this type of power to athletes or any kind of celebrities is, to say the least, problematic. It is the rule of the rich – a plutocracy. Their popularity may overshadow policy expertise, leading to governance driven by charisma and shadowy interests rather than knowledge and a meritocracy. Reopening Sveti Stefan is a complex decision, delayed for four years due to multiple challenges, and therefore very risky to be made by those lacking the necessary expertise yet still using their influence. The island is split between state ownership and Adriatic Properties, which is seeking €100M in arbitration against Montenegro after locals tore down beach fences. |
Welcome to The European Correspondent
Europe lacks true European media: in Germany alone, there are more media devoted exclusively to football than news outlets specialising on Europe. The established players mainly focus on Brussels and European institutions. The European Correspondent aims to change that. We cover the whole of Europe and write for a community of citizens who want to look beyond their own national borders. Without European journalism, there is no European civil society.
〉Read our manifesto
〉The stories we would like to write for you
Become a donor!
The European Correspondent is fully funded by its readers. We can only produce the newsletter with your support - and work towards the bigger project: building true European media. Donate now!
With your help, we can create true European journalism. Thank you!
We are non-profit. Every donated € goes directly into The European Correspondent.