Novak Djokovic reportedly permanently relocates from Serbia after tensions with government

Novak Djokovic has taken the monumental decision to move away from his homeland and settle in a nearby country.

Although best known for being one of the greatest athletes ever and the most statistically successful tennis player ever, Djokovic has also received attention for giving his views about subjects off the court.

Since November 2024, there have been a series of protests in Serbia after the tragic death of 16 people when the concrete canopy of Navi Sad's railway station collapsed, leading to widespread public anger and a desire for accountability.

The protests, led by university students, transitioned into civil disobedience across approximately 400 Serbian towns and cities. Some have criticized the government's reaction, deeming it heavy-handed.

In January, Djokovic voiced support for the protestors and condemned what he called "violence" against them. The country's greatest sportsperson making a statement carries much weight and was widely circulated.

It has been reported that the Serbia Open in Belgrade, owned by Djokovic and his family, was moved to Athens because of the tennis legend's tensions with the Serbian government. His relocation adds further weight to that theory.

Greek newspaper Proto Thema reported that Djokovic is now permanently settled in Glyfada, a suburb in Athens. He arrived on Sunday, after losing in the 2025 US Open semifinal to Carlos Alcaraz, for permanent relocation.

The article from Proto Thema contained a picture of Djokovic training with his son, Stefan, at a tennis facility in Kavouri. Stefan's closeness with his father was shown in Geneva when he asked a press conference question after Djokovic won the title.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has enrolled Stefan and his daughter Tara in a private school. Proto Thema's piece also states that other residents regularly stop Djokovic for photos and autographs.

Djokovic's love for Serbia means the rift with the current government must be deep and beyond what he thinks can be repaired. Being a resident of Greece will make it easier for him to help his family coordinate the tournament they own.

The former ATP world No. 1 has not hidden that Grand Slams are what truly matter to him at this stage of his career. Djokovic went even further at the US Open when he said the four Grand Slams are the only ones on his calendar.

However, the ten-time Australian Open champion will likely play at next month's 2025 Six Kings Slam in Riyadh. He featured at last year's maiden iteration, which included his final match with Rafael Nadal before the Spaniard's retirement.

Djokovic, Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz will be significantly rewarded for playing at the tournament. Sinner won $6 million, the highest prize money in tennis history, for triumphing in 2024.

Jack Draper was the other man announced, but he cannot play after ending his season early due to injury. The exhibition's organizers will try their hardest to convince another top player to compete in Saudi Arabia.

Despite his reduced schedule, Djokovic could qualify for the 2025 ATP Finals, but whether he would play is uncertain after he skipped last year's year-end event.