Republika Srspka president, Milorad Dodik was under fire after thinking he was off-air during a television appearance and going on to spout insults at the family of Novak Djokovic calling them gypsies.
Djokovic competed at the recent Srpska Open Banja Luka, his brother Djordje was the tournament director and Dodik himself played a role in the organisation and was a guest on RTS.
“Though, I can tell you, these Djokovics are some hard motherf------, ugh… Our people experience it emotionally, but when you get into business ufff… gypsies for real, I can tell you. their associates...
And then he loses in the quarterfinal when we based everything..”. Dodik said.
Srdjan Djokovic, the father of Novak uttered 'no comment' when asked about it on a recent appearance following this.
Dodik after this video and subsequent quotes were found released a statement: “I am sorry that I experienced disappointment in RTS on this occasion.
I will continue to respect and appreciate the success of the one and only Novak Djokovic and to respect and appreciate his family as before. We will finalize all arrangements regarding the ‘Srpska Open’ tournament.
I am glad that I got to know the managerial and leadership skills of Djordje Djokovic [Novak’s brother] and I remain very grateful for the fact that this year's tournament was held in Banja Luka. I apologize if the speculative display on social networks hurt members of the Djokovic family.
It hurt me, as well. I’d like to thank RTS for my sleepless night. I can't believe they did this in such a heinous way. As a sincere admirer of Novak Djokovic both as a tennis player and as a man, I wish him and his family all the luck. Success in everything to Srdjan [Novak’s father] and Djordje."