An account on the social media platform X—previously known
as Twitter—spread fake news about media censoring Serbia’s
Novak Djokovic’s
celebration during the Paris Olympics for showing his Christian faith. The
37-year-old, who is often being regarded as the greatest player in the history
of men’s tennis in the Open era, completed his trophy cabinet this year after
finally winning an Olympic gold for his country.
He defeated Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the
singles category event in Paris in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 7-6. A
parody account of former US President Donald Trump on social media platform X spread
fake news that the media censored Djokovic’s celebration after that historic
triumph because of showing his Christian faith. The post was viewed by 2.5
million and was reposted by more than 39,000 times.
Despite that success, Djokovic has had a mixed season. For the
first time in seven years, the Belgrade-born star failed to win a single Grand
Slam. His best appearance in a major event this year came at Wimbledon, where
he finished as the runner-up after losing in the final to Spain’s Alcaraz in
straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-2, 7-6. Because of not having a great time
in any of the major events this year, Djokovic ended up losing his number one
spot to Italy’s Jannik Sinner during the French Open as well when he was forced
to withdraw just before the start of the quarterfinal against Norway’s Casper Ruud
because of a knee injury.
Djokovic’s most recent appearance came in the Shanghai
Masters where he finished as the runner-up after losing in the final to Sinner
in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-3. Overall, the Belgrade-born star has
played 42 matches this season, winning 34 matches and losing just eight.