Djokovic gives message of support to Serbia during Euro 2024 match against England

By JAMES ROBSON

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) — Serbia received a pre-match message of support from its most famous sports star ahead of the country’s European Championship opener against England on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic appeared on the big screens at the Arena AufSchalke as Serbian players warmed up before kickoff of the Group C match.

The 24-time Grand Slam tennis champion delivered a pre-recorded message to the cheers of Serbian fans.

Djokovic last played competitively at the French Open, where he withdrew due to injury before the quarterfinals.

Serbia were participating in the Euros for the first time since 2000. England were beaten finalists at the last Euros, losing on penalties to Italy in the final three years ago.

Police rushed to separate brawling supporters in Gelsenkirchen earlier in the day.

Footage posted on social media showed men throwing chairs at each other outside a restaurant decorated with Serbian flags in the city.

Earlier in Group C, Denmark drew 1-1 with Slovenia, with Christian Eriksen scoring three years after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during the last Euro.

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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

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AP Euro 2024: https://apnews.com/hub/euro-2024