Novak Djokovic explains why he chose Greece as new home after moving from Serbia
NewsWednesday, 05 November 2025 at 22:00
Novak Djokovic has given some insight into why he relocated to Greece, when dozens of other countries would undoubtedly have loved to host him.
Djokovic has spoken several times about being a patriotic Serbian. That meant many were surprised when he moved from there with his family and settled in Athens after returning from playing at the 2025 US Open.
Serbia's most outstanding ever athlete previously criticized the government's response to widespread protests across the country, and his move was reportedly caused by the bad relationship between him and the politicians.
That animosity is also believed to have caused the Belgrade Open's move to Athens. Djokovic and his family own the tournament's license, and having it in the city where the 24-time Grand Slam champion lives makes sense.
The 2025 Athens Open began on Sunday. Djokovic played his opening match on Tuesday against Alejandro Tabilo, who had won their previous two meetings. The 38-year-old avoided a third consecutive loss by triumphing 7-6, 6-1.
Djokovic recently did an interview with CNN Greece. He spoke about how the cultural links between Serbia and Greece, which go back several decades, significantly influenced his choice of location.
"There is a lot of historical l, religious, cultural, social ties between Greece and Serbia that is big part of the reason why I’m here, is also because the weather, the food is incredible, you are on the nicest coastlines in Europe, in the world, I really like the lifestyle. I really feel that Greek and Serbian people are like brothers."
Although Djokovic remains uncertain about whether he and his family will remain in Greece long term, the ATP world No. 5 is enjoying living there and seems content to stay for at least a while.
"As a family, we are trying to see how the life goes here. It's only been less than two months, so we will see how it goes, but so far, it has been a very positive experience."
The tennis legend's words and his reported tensions with the Serbian government suggest he could return to his home country if those in power change in the next few years, but Djokovic's love for Greece is also clear.
Djokovic is unsure whether he will compete at 2025 ATP Finals
On Monday, Italian Tennis Federation chief Angelo Binaghi said that Djokovic will play at the 2025 ATP Finals. The year-end championships in Turin, won in 2024 by home favorite Jannik Sinner, begin on Sunday.
Djokovic revealed on Tuesday that those comments were not true. The seven-time ATP Finals champion said he will decide whether to play in Turin when the Athens Open ends, and that the information Binaghi had did not come from him or his team.
Last year, Djokovic withdrew from the ATP Finals after electing to end his season after the 2025 Six Kings Slam. He was pictured holidaying with his family during the schedule's closing weeks.
Djokovic won the title in his last ATP Finals appearance in 2023. Hopefully, he decides to compete at the 2025 iteration.
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