A proud Novak Djokovic praises students after a mass movement toppled the Serbian government

Tennis great Novak Djokovic praised Serbia’s student-led movement after its stunning election victory against Aleksandar Vučić’s ruling party, saying the protesters had given people in Serbia and abroad a reason to feel proud of their country.

Djokovic responded to the result on Tuesday at a press conference at the Swiss Indoors tournament in Basel. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has previously supported student protests and expressed his admiration for the young people who have spent nearly two years fighting the government.

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

“Victory is certain and we all now hope that our country will prosper and enjoy the future that is coming.”

Novak Djokovic says he is very happy that students defeated Vučić in Serbian elections: Djokovic: “I am very happy about it. My deepest respect to the students who fought and showed dignity and resilience. I have a lot of admiration for what they have done. They have managed to create a sense of pride in Serbia and in the world.” Danny (@DjokovicFan_) October 27, 2026

The comments came after Vucic conceded defeat in Sunday’s parliamentary election, in which a student-backed opposition movement challenged his Serbian Progressive Party. According to the Associated Press, the result marks a major setback for the political establishment that has dominated the country for more than a decade.

HOW A STUDENT ENDED VUCICA’S RULE

The student movement grew out of protests following the November 2024 collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad railway station, a disaster that killed 16 people. Protesters have called for responsibility for the tragedy, with allegations of corruption and failing building inspections fueling wider anger at the government. Authorities have denied wrongdoing.

Over time, the demonstrations developed into a broader challenge to the government and gained support from people outside university campuses. The movement also faced accusations of intimidation and violence during the protests, while students continued to campaign for political change. Serbs celebrate the overthrow of the government of Aleksandar Vučić. (Photo by Reuters)

The Student List, a party born in May 2025, took this campaign to the parliamentary elections. Rather than relying on a conventional political leader, the movement brought together candidates from diverse backgrounds to challenge the ruling party.

Preliminary results reported by international media indicated that the Student List had secured a majority in the 250-member parliament, a result Vučić acknowledged as he conceded defeat. The scale of the victory has raised expectations among the movement’s supporters, although turning this electoral mandate into effective government will be another challenge.

Djokovic’s response reflected a wider sense of hope surrounding the result. His praise was directed not only at the result of the vote, but at the conduct of the students during a long campaign marked by pressure and uncertainty.

The Serbian star has previously expressed support for the protesters, making his latest comments part of a longer record of support for their movement. He now hopes that the election result will lead to a prosperous future for his country.

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