French Open 2023: Novak Djokovi criticized for a message about Kosovo after the first-round win.

Serb Djokovic wrote "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia. Stop the violence" with a camera lens.

It is in reference to recent tension in Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

Serbia has never recognized Kosovo's independence. There has been violence in the past days following the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors in the north of the country, with police and Nato troops clashing with Serb protesters.

World governing body the International Tennis Federation said Djokovic's statement did not violate any rules because the Grand Slam rulebook does not ban political opinions.

"When you carry messages about defending human rights, messages that bring people together around universal values, a sportsperson is free to express them," Oudea-Castera told broadcaster France 2.

"But in this case, it was a very activist message, that is very political. You shouldn't get involved, especially in the current circumstances, and it shouldn't happen again."