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A mural of Novak Djokovic in Serbia has been defaced just weeks after the tennis legend left his homeland to move to Greece with his family.
Djokovic, 38, long viewed as a national hero in Serbia, sought a new life in Athens in September amid reports he had been targeted by the country's government for supporting student protests.
Over the past few months, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has faced fierce criticism from media outlets loyal to Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic, after showing solidarity with student demonstrators protesting the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad which killed 16 people.
As part of the protests, students were blaming alleged corruption within the Serbian government and demanding political change.
Now, following Djokovic's move to Greece, a mural depicting the tennis icon has been vandalised in Belgrade.
The Serbian street artist who painted the mural, Andrej Josifovski, angrily took to social media on Tuesday to show that his work had been ruined.
A mural of tennis legend Novak Djokovic in Serbia has been defaced in Belgrade this week
The Serbian street artist who painted the mural, Andrej Josifovski, angrily took to social media to show that his work had been ruined by vandals on Tuesday (before and after pictured)
Djokovic, 38, long viewed as a national hero in Serbia, sought a new life in Athens in September
The mural, which was painted earlier this year, depicted Djokovic during the Wimbledon Championships, dressed in traditional all-white tennis gear.
Pinning the blame on Serbia's 'youth', the artist furiously posted on Instagram: 'Imagine that great patriot in an orange jacket and a cap, sneaking around at night, then stopping in front of Novak (YES, NOVAK!) - looking him in the eyes and throwing paint on his face and body.
'That's the fine Serbian youth from the cage who just want to learn how to paint graffiti. We conquered the peak of the bottom long ago, but now we're heading into the stratosphere.
'Don't worry, my brother @djokernole, retaliation is coming - but without a mask, in broad daylight, the way we do it.'
Djokovic, who reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams this year as he continues to fight for a record-extending 25th major tennis title, enrolled his children in a Greek private school in September after moving to the Mediterranean country.
His son Stefan, 11, and daughter Tara, 8, now attend Saint Lawrence College, a British independent school in Athens — after the family found a permanent home in the city's southern suburbs.
He was spotted last month at the Kavouri Tennis Club, playing with his son in flip flops and posing for pictures, and is reportedly considering full membership either there or at 91 Athens Riviera.
Speculation has also grown that Djokovic will apply for a Greek Golden Visa, which grants residency in exchange for investment, and he had already met twice with prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis prior to enrolling his children at the private school.
His family's move to Greece comes amid reports he has been targeted by Serbia's government
Djokovic is claimed to have become a target following his support of student protestors
He was also spotted wearing a jumper stating 'students are champions' at a basketball match
Serbian president Vucic has tried to cool tensions amid claims Djokovic left the country for political reasons, insisting he will never speak ill of the tennis great.
Djokovic, who still owns property in Monaco, posted his support of student protests on social media by writing: 'As someone who deeply believes in the power of youth and their desire for a better future, I believe it is important that their voices are heard.
'Serbia has enormous potential, and its educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak.'
He was also pictured wearing a jumper with the message 'students are champions' at a basketball match earlier this year.
