Novak Djokovic’s decisions rarely go unnoticed. His quiet relocation to Athens isn’t just about switching cities– it’s about moving his whole family, enrolling his kids in a British school, and keeping his tennis career running strong, all while political drama in Serbia simmers.
Now, every tennis fan and sports watcher is left wondering: Has the 24-time Grand Slam champion truly closed the book on his home country, or is this just a new chapter full of unknowns?
How Did Tensions Rise Between Novak Djokovic and the Serbian Government?
The tension between Djokovic and the Serbian government boiled over after protests swept Serbia in December 2024. Everything stemmed from a tragic collapse at the Novi Sad railway station a month earlier, which claimed sixteen lives.
This disaster kicked off massive demonstrations against government corruption, starting in Novi Sad and spreading to more than 400 cities by March 2025.
Things reached a new level when Djokovic publicly backed the students in December 2024. He posted a message on X that made his position crystal clear.
On December 18, 2024, the champion wrote, “As someone who deeply believes in the power of young people and their desire for a better future, I consider it important that their voice is heard.” He didn’t stop there, adding, “Serbia has enormous potential, and educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak.”
Као неко ко дубоко верује у снагу младих људи и њихову жељу за бољом будућношћу,сматрам да је важно да се њихов глас чује.
Србија има огроман потенцијал а образована омладина је њена највећа снага.
Оно што је свима нама потребно је разумевање и поштовање. Уз вас,Новак.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) December 18, 2024
Djokovic’s support wasn’t just online. He wore a “students are champions” sweater to a basketball game in Belgrade and dedicated his Australian Open win to a student hurt in the protests. That kind of public backing sparked heated reactions from pro-government Serbian media.
According to the German newspaper NZZ, the Serbian government began to target Djokovic directly. The tabloid Informer, which backs President Aleksandar Vučić, called Djokovic a “disgrace” and accused him of supporting a Western “colour revolution.” Headlines started painting him as a “false patriot” who had “fled to Greece.”
Why Is Novak Djokovic Pursuing Greek Residency With the Golden Visa Programme?
Reports from Greece say that Djokovic has enrolled his son Stefan, eleven, and his daughter Tara, eight, in Saint Lawrence College, a British-style independent school in Athens. The family settled in the southern suburbs, with beIN Sports identifying Glyfada as their new home. Locals even spotted Djokovic playing tennis in flip-flops with his son at the Kavouri Tennis Club. He was also seen watching the Davis Cup match between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Joao Fonseca alongside Stefan.
Adding to those reports, Proto Thema says Djokovic applied for the Golden Visa programme, which lets non-European Union citizens gain Greek residency through investment. GB News noted two private meetings with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis this year, including a visit to the island of Tinos. The Golden Visa gives qualifying investors, plus their families, five-year renewable residency in Greece.
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Meanwhile, with the ATP 250 tournament, usually played in Belgrade, temporarily moving to Athens, the family’s move looks set in stone. Serbian Times reports the event will now happen as the Hellenic Championship at the OAKA stadium in November 2025. Djokovic, who runs the tournament with his brother, is already on the list for the Athens competition.
