Full Breakdown
Vandalism and Restoration: The Novak Dokovic Mural Incident in Belgrade
10/23/2025, 3:19:20 PM
Mural Vandalism and Quick Restoration
On Tuesday, a mural of tennis champion Novak Dokovic in Belgrade was vandalized, marking a significant incident in the ongoing narrative surrounding the athlete. The mural, created by Serbian street artist Andrej Josifovski, known as The Pianist, depicted Dokovic in a dynamic pose from the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, accompanied by the phrase, “PUMP, PUMP, why did you stop!?” The act of vandalism involved paint being thrown across the mural, obscuring Dokovic's likeness. However, within 24 hours, Josifovski restored the mural, stating, “A day’s wage will never defeat a sincere emotion! PUMP, PUMP, why did you stop?!” This restoration was met with approval from Dokovic himself, who expressed delight at the artist's swift action.
Context of Dokovic's Relocation
The vandalism comes in the wake of Dokovic's recent relocation to Greece, where he has settled with his family in the southern suburbs of Athens. This move followed his public support for student-led protests in Serbia against President Aleksandar Vucic's government, which erupted after a tragic canopy collapse in Novi Sad last November that resulted in 16 fatalities. The protests have been characterized by demands for political reform and accountability, with Dokovic voicing his support for the students through social media.
Artist's Reaction and Broader Implications
Josifovski's response to the vandalism was one of anger and disappointment, as he criticized the act and the societal conditions that led to it. He remarked on social media about the identity of the vandal, suggesting that it reflects a troubling aspect of Serbian youth culture. Josifovski vowed to retaliate against the vandalism in a manner that would be visible and direct, stating, “Don’t worry, my brother @djokernole, retaliation is coming - but without a mask, in broad daylight, the way we do it.” This incident is not isolated; it follows previous attacks on artwork featuring Dokovic, including a mural in Orahovac, Kosovo, which was vandalized twice earlier this year.
Official Statements and Responses
President Aleksandar Vucic has not publicly commented on the mural incident specifically but has faced criticism for his government's handling of protests and public dissent. The European Parliament recently adopted a resolution condemning the Serbian government's actions, calling for accountability regarding the canopy collapse and urging support for student protests. Vucic dismissed the resolution, labeling the MEPs as “pathological liars” and suggesting that the criticisms stem from political bias.
Conclusion
The vandalism of the Novak Dokovic mural and its subsequent restoration by Andrej Josifovski highlights the ongoing tensions in Serbia surrounding political dissent and public expression. The incident reflects broader societal issues, including the challenges faced by public figures who engage in political discourse, and the reactions from both the government and the public illustrate the polarized environment in which these events unfold.
