As Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, approaches the twilight of his unparalleled tennis career, whispers of a significant life change have grown into a roar. The Serbian superstar, long celebrated for his dominance on the court and his deep connection to his homeland, is reportedly preparing to relocate permanently to Athens, Greece, with his wife, Jelena, and their children, Stefan and Tara, starting in September 2025, after the US Open. This move, facilitated by Greece’s Golden Visa program, marks a pivotal shift for the 38-year-old, driven by a blend of personal, cultural, and practical motivations, as well as reported tensions with Serbia’s leadership.
Djokovic’s affinity for Greece is no secret. Over the years, he has frequently expressed his admiration for the country’s rich culture, warm hospitality, and shared Orthodox Christian heritage with Serbia. “I love Greece, like every Serbian citizen! Our relationship goes back a long way in history, we are united by religion and we have strong ties of culture and tradition,” he has said, a sentiment echoed during a 2009 Australian Open match against Marcos Baghdatis, when he called Greeks and Serbs “Orthodox brothers.” His recent visit to Athens, where he dined with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at a high-end seafood restaurant in Kolonaki, has fueled speculation about his plans. The private meeting, described as substantive, reportedly secured Mitsotakis’s approval for Djokovic’s relocation, with discussions touching on investment opportunities and potential collaborations, including a tennis academy to nurture Balkan talent.
The decision to settle in Athens reflects Djokovic’s desire for a family-oriented lifestyle as his career winds down. After decades of globetrotting, splitting time between residences in Monaco, Marbella, New York, and Belgrade, the tennis icon is prioritizing stability for his children. During his Athens visit, Djokovic and Jelena were spotted touring English-speaking private schools in the upscale northern suburbs, such as Kifissia, and exploring residential properties. Athens’s proximity to Belgrade, with daily flights, makes it an ideal base, offering a blend of cultural familiarity and modern amenities. Jelena, in particular, is said to favor a new environment for their family, drawn to Greece’s warm climate and educational infrastructure.
Beyond personal motivations, Djokovic’s move is reportedly influenced by strained relations with Serbia’s government. In December 2024, he publicly supported student protests sparked by a tragic rail accident in Novi Sad, posting on X, “As someone who deeply believes in the power of youth and their desire for a better future, I believe it’s important that their voices are heard. Serbia has enormous potential, and its educated youth is its greatest strength.” This stance, coupled with his criticism of gambling’s influence in Serbia, has allegedly led to a media boycott by state-controlled outlets, with some ignoring his posts or censoring supportive messages. These tensions have prompted Djokovic to reconsider raising his children in Belgrade, despite owning a penthouse there and previously expressing hopes they would attend school in Serbia.
The Golden Visa program, requiring a minimum €250,000 real estate investment, offers Djokovic a seamless path to residency, renewable every five years. His plans extend beyond settling in Athens; he is reportedly exploring investments in tennis facilities at the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA), potentially linked to a tennis academy. “Djokovic’s presence in our country will be accompanied by a multitude of new activities—among them the creation of a tennis academy, aiming to highlight new talents from Greece and the Balkans,” a Greek source noted. His Novak Djokovic Foundation, which has supported over 20,800 children in Serbia, is also expected to expand its educational and welfare initiatives in Greece.
As Djokovic prepares for Wimbledon, where he aims to reclaim the title from Carlos Alcaraz and pursue a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam, his Athens move signals a new chapter. “Wimbledon is my childhood favourite tournament. I’m going to do everything possible to get myself ready,” he said, undeterred by a recent French Open semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner. With his legacy secure, Djokovic’s relocation to Greece reflects a quest for peace, purpose, and a deeper connection to a country he has long cherished, ensuring his influence extends far beyond the tennis court.
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