After a grueling Wimbledon campaign that saw him fall just short of an eighth title, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has traded the grass courts for the sun-soaked shores of Croatia’s Korčula Island. The Serbian tennis icon, now 38, was recently spotted basking in the Adriatic’s charm alongside his wife, Jelena, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, and two of Croatia’s soccer luminaries, Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić. This star-studded getaway, filled with laughter, signed t-shirts, and beachside relaxation, offers a rare glimpse into Djokovic’s life off the court as he recharges for the 2025 US Open. His Croatian retreat not only highlights his deep connection to the region but also underscores his ability to find balance amid a challenging season.
Djokovic’s 2025 has been a testament to his enduring resilience, with semifinal runs at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon, though he’s yet to claim a title this year. His Wimbledon loss to Jannik Sinner, the World No. 1, was a bitter pill, with the Italian prevailing 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in a match where Djokovic battled a minor muscle issue. “He [Sinner] apologized for me feeling bad today,” Djokovic shared post-match, reflecting on their heartfelt exchange at the net. “There’s nothing to apologize for from his side. Obviously, he’s done very well for himself today, and for the last year and a half, he’s been the best player in the world.” The defeat, coupled with physical wear and tear, prompted Djokovic to withdraw from the National Bank Open in Toronto, citing the need to recover. “I feel like when I’m fit, I can still play really good tennis,” he insisted, signaling his focus on the upcoming Cincinnati Open and the US Open, where he aims to capture a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam.
The Croatian getaway, documented in vibrant social media posts, captured Djokovic in high spirits, a stark contrast to the intensity of Wimbledon. On Korčula’s pristine beaches, he was seen mingling with Modrić, the former Real Madrid maestro now with AC Milan, and Kovačić, the Manchester City midfielder. Djokovic gifted both soccer stars signed Lacoste t-shirts, each inscribed with personal messages, a gesture that sparked joy among the group. “Novak Djokovic, Aleksander Čeferin, Luka Modrić, and Mateo Kovačić at the beach in Croatia!” one post enthused, showcasing the quartet’s camaraderie. The Serbian star also posed for selfies with local performers and tourists, embodying the warmth that has made him a beloved figure in Croatia, despite historical tensions between Serbia and its neighbor. His maternal Croatian heritage—his mother’s family hails from Vinkovci—adds a personal layer to his frequent visits. “The Croatian coast is the most beautiful in the world,” Djokovic once declared, praising its islands and culture.
This isn’t Djokovic’s first Croatian retreat. A regular visitor to Dubrovnik and Korčula, he’s often praised the Adriatic’s allure, from its crystal waters to its vibrant culture. “I have visited many countries, but somehow I feel the best, it is the same language and for me the same culture,” he said in 2019, reflecting his deep affinity for Croatia. His friendship with Modrić, forged through mutual admiration, dates back years, with Djokovic publicly supporting Croatia’s 2018 World Cup campaign despite backlash in Serbia. “Sports have their ‘universal language,’ they erase boundaries between people,” he stated, a philosophy that resonates in his interactions with Modrić and Kovačić. The trio’s beachside gathering, joined by Čeferin, a Slovenian football executive, symbolized a celebration of sport’s unifying power.
Djokovic’s Croatian sojourn comes at a pivotal moment. His decision to skip Toronto reflects a strategic approach to preserve his body for the hard-court season, with the Cincinnati Open as a likely warm-up for the US Open. “The longer the tournament goes, the worse the condition gets,” he admitted after Wimbledon, acknowledging the physical toll of best-of-five-set matches at his age. Yet, his ambition remains undimmed. “Of course journey is still not over,” he declared, eyeing that elusive 25th major. His work with coaches like Goran Ivanišević, a Croatian tennis legend, has kept him sharp, even as he navigates the rise of younger stars like Sinner and Alcaraz.
As Djokovic strolls Korčula’s shores, his relaxed demeanor belies the fire that drives him. From signing t-shirts for soccer icons to engaging with fans, he’s embracing a moment of respite before returning to the grind. His Croatian connection, rooted in family and friendships, offers a sanctuary where he can recharge. With the US Open looming, Djokovic’s blend of rest and resolve sets the stage for another chapter in his storied career, one where he aims to prove that, even at 38, he’s far from finished.[](https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tennis/novak-djokovic-croatia-wife-luka-modric-mateo-kovacic/)
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