Novak Djokovic has been keeping himself out of competition since losing the tight semifinal showdown to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon. Amid his highly anticipated entry at the North American swing, another update emerged about the ATP event organized by his family, in the heart of Serbia. Per the latest reports, the authorities have decided to cancel this year’s 250 event, as stated on social media.
ATP Belgrade Issues Shocking Statement Ahead of the Event in November
The ATP 250 tournament in Belgrade, known as the Belgrade Open, was organized by the Djokovic family (through their company Family Sport), who acquired and have operated the license since 2021. Novak’s brother Djordje has served as tournament director since then.
Ahead of the upcoming US Open, the authorities in Belgrade announced a major change in the tournament this year. According to the latest statement, the event will not be organized in Serbia this year, suggesting a major change after almost four years.
“The Belgrade Open tennis tournament, originally scheduled for November 2025, will not take place in Belgrade. Despite great dedication and significant efforts, the conditions required to stage the tournament in the planned format and timeframe could not be secured, and it was therefore decided not to hold this year’s edition,” the official statement said.
There will be no tournament in Belgrade this year pic.twitter.com/DWJWwl6j7g
— Mario Boccardi (@boccardi_marioo) August 4, 2025
According to fresh reports from the Serbian media, the main reason behind this move was Djokovic’s ongoing conflict with Vučić’s government. The 24-time grand slam champion extended public support for widespread student protests in Serbia during 2024–25.
🚨According to Serbian media, the reason the Belgrade Open (which the Djokovic family runs) was moved to Athens, Greece this year is due to Djokovic being in conflict with Vucic’s government after showing support to student protests.
Novak will likely play in Greece in November. pic.twitter.com/7IXaNMTjTn
— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) August 4, 2025
He backed volunteers responding to a deadly canopy collapse in Novi Sad, an incident widely blamed on corruption and infrastructure negligence under Vučić’s leadership.
ATP Belgrade Open To Shift in Athens This Year
Although the authorities in Belgrade decided to cancel the ATP 250 event, it is now scheduled to commence in Athens, Greece. Despite the shift in location, members of the organizing committee in Belgrade are all set to back the progress in Athens.
“ATP 250 Hellenic Championship is organised by the experienced team behind nine previous international tournaments in Belgrade. This latest project builds on that legacy, with preparations well underway to deliver a world-class event in the historic city of Athens,” the statement announced.
There will be an ATP 250 in Athens from 2 to 8 November pic.twitter.com/vxqiKHmec3
— Mario Boccardi (@boccardi_marioo) August 4, 2025
The Hellenic Championship will take place on indoor hard courts at the OAKA Basketball Arena. This versatile venue was initially built for the 2004 Olympics and has also hosted big music events, like the Eurovision Song Contest.
