Novak Djokovic Hails Serbian Students After Mass Protests Lead to Government’s Fall

Novak Djokovic Praises Serbia’s Student Movement After Election Victory Over Vucic’s Ruling Party

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has congratulated Serbia’s student-led movement following its reported electoral victory over the ruling party of Aleksandar Vucic. The 24-time Grand Slam champion expressed admiration for the students, saying their prolonged campaign had given people in Serbia and around the world a renewed sense of pride in their country.

Djokovic shared his reaction during a press conference at the Swiss Indoors tournament in Basel on Tuesday. A longstanding supporter of the student protests, the Serbian star praised the young demonstrators for their determination, dignity and resilience during nearly two years of opposition to the government.

“I’m very happy about this. My deepest respect to the students who fought and showed dignity and resilience. I have lots of admiration for what they’ve done. They managed to create a sense of pride in Serbia and in the world,” Djokovic said.

He also expressed optimism about the country’s future, adding that the reported victory had given citizens renewed hope for greater prosperity and progress.

“The victory is secure and we all now have hopes that our country will be prosperous and enjoying the future that is coming,” he said.

The remarks followed a parliamentary election in which the student-backed opposition movement challenged Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). According to reports by the Associated Press, the result represented a significant setback for a political establishment that had dominated Serbian politics for more than a decade.

How Serbia’s Student Movement Challenged the Government
The student protests gained momentum after a concrete canopy collapsed at the railway station in Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people. The tragedy sparked widespread demands for accountability, with allegations of corruption and failures in construction oversight fuelling public anger.

The authorities denied wrongdoing, but demonstrations continued to grow, extending beyond university campuses and attracting support from different sections of Serbian society.

What began as demands for accountability over the railway station disaster gradually developed into a wider campaign for political change. Students organised demonstrations and mobilised public support, challenging the government over transparency, responsibility and governance.

The movement also encountered allegations of intimidation and violence during the protests, adding to the tensions surrounding the campaign.

Student-Backed Opposition Takes Its Fight to the Ballot Box
The student movement eventually channelled its campaign into electoral politics through the Student List, a political initiative established in May 2025. Bringing together candidates from different backgrounds, the movement sought to challenge the ruling party without depending on a conventional political leader.

Preliminary results reported by international media indicated that the student-backed movement had secured a majority in Serbia’s 250-seat parliament. Vucic subsequently acknowledged defeat, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape.

The result raised expectations among supporters who viewed the election as an opportunity to bring about changes in governance. However, translating the electoral mandate into effective administration and delivering on the movement’s promises will remain a major challenge.

Djokovic’s Support Adds Prominence to the Movement
Djokovic’s reaction highlights his continued support for the students, whose campaign has attracted international attention. The Serbian tennis great has previously voiced solidarity with the protesters, making his latest comments consistent with his earlier public backing.

His praise focused on the students’ perseverance and their ability to sustain a campaign for political change over an extended period. By highlighting their dignity and resilience, Djokovic also acknowledged the wider significance of the movement for Serbia’s national identity and future.

For supporters of the student-backed opposition, the reported election result represents an opportunity to address longstanding concerns about accountability and governance. The next phase will depend on how the movement translates its electoral success into concrete political outcomes.

Djokovic, meanwhile, has expressed hope that the result will help Serbia move towards a more prosperous future, reflecting the optimism surrounding the country’s changing political landscape.