Novak Djokovic labeled ‘RUSSOPHILE’ by Croatian President Zoran Milanovic in criticism of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic after the two posed together at the 2023 Rugby World Cup finals

The Croatian lawmakers had earlier rejected a proposal moved by Plenkovic for Croatia to join an EU mission in support of the Ukrainian military.

Novak Djokovic labeled ‘RUSSOPHILE’ by Croatian President Zoran Milanovic in criticism of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic after the two posed together at the 2023 Rugby World Cup finals

Novak Djokovic alongside Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and French President Emmanuel Macron (Image via : Profimedia, FaH)

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has been alleged as a supporter of the Russian regime led by Vladimir Putin by Croatian President Zoran Milanovic. The Croatian head of state labeled Djokovic as a ‘RUSSOPHILE’ after the cameras sighted him alongside Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and French President Emmanuel Macron at the 2023 Rugby World Cup finals on Saturday.

Speaking to journalists about Croatia’s vote in the UN on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Milanović talked about the images of Plenković and Djokovic propagating on social media. 

Plenković took a picture with Novak Djokovic. That's the Russophile, by the way. A brilliant athlete, whom I support in principle, but a Russophile.
Zoran Milanovic via KURIR
YouTube video

He further added:

FS Video
At the same time, he is dealing with the members of parliament who voted against dragging Croatia into the war and training soldiers for the war in Ukraine - because they look after Croatian interests - but he has no problem painting himself with people who are openly on Moscow's side.

Plenkovic has spoken against Russia with regards to their conflict against Ukraine. The Croatian lawmakers had earlier rejected a proposal for Croatia to join an EU mission in support of the Ukrainian military. The proposal moved by Plenkovic couldn’t garner enough votes to pass the resolution.

Novak Djokovic attends Rugby World Cup Final in Paris as he prepares for his return to the tour at

Tennis stars, including Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, were in attendance at the Stade de France in Paris to witness South Africa take up New Zealand in 2023 Rugby World Cup final. The Springboks successfully defended their title as they defeated the All-blacks to lift their 4th World Cup title. As the cameras panned to the stands, tennis World No.1 was sighted alongside British singer Rita Ora.

Novak Djokovic Rita Ora
Novak Djokovic alongside Rita Ora watching the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. (credits: The Sun, The Independent)

Djokovic will make his much-awaited return to the tour at the Paris Masters. The 36-year-old has won the tournament a record six times. In the last edition of the tournament, in 2022, he was defeated by the Norwegian Holger Rune in a close 3-setter.

Interestingly, Djokovic will begin his campaign in the doubles draw as he partners with Serbian counterpart Miomir Kecmanovic. The pair will face off in the round of 32 clash against Stan Wawrinka and Jannik Sinner.

The 1st seed will begin his singles campaign on Tuesday, having received a first-round bye. The Serb will face the winner of the first round clash between Miomir Kecmanovic and Tomas Etcheverry.

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