EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis)… Novak Djokovic’s decision to relocate his family to Greece amid political turmoil in Serbia is the latest chapter in the life of a sports icon whose career and personal beliefs have often intersected with the political landscape. Once revered as a national hero, Djokovic’s outspoken support for student protests in Serbia has drawn significant backlash from media loyal to President Aleksandar Vučić. The protests, sparked by the tragic collapse of a railway station canopy, have become a focal point for wider demands for political reform and accountability. In a striking departure from his earlier image, Djokovic, who had been a symbol of national pride, now finds himself facing accusations of disloyalty and even being labeled a “false patriot” by Serbian tabloids.
As Djokovic and his family embrace a new life in Greece, enrolling his children in a private school and exploring residency options, this shift marks not just a geographical change, but also a profound moment of personal and professional reflection. Despite his recent struggles on the tennis court, losing to the younger generation of stars, Djokovic remains deeply invested in the causes that have sparked his recent political involvement. This story is a reminder of the ways in which sports figures can influence, and be influenced by, the political climates in which they live and work.
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Novak Djokovic enrols children in Greek private school as he ‘flees Serbia after being targeted by the government for backing student protests’
The 24-time Grand Slam champion, long seen as a national hero, has faced fierce criticism in recent months from media loyal to president Aleksandar Vucic after showing solidarity with demonstrators.
Those protests erupted last December after the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad which killed 16 people, with students blaming alleged corruption and demanding
Djokovic posted his support on social media, writing: ‘As someone who deeply believes in the power of youth and their desire for a better future, I believe it is important that their voices are heard.
‘Serbia has enormous potential, and its educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak.’
He later dedicated a victory at the Australian Open to a student injured during demonstrations, attended a Belgrade basketball match wearing a jumper reading ‘students are champions’, and shared images of mass rallies with the caption ‘History, amazing’. Serbian tabloids responded by branding him a ‘false patriot’ and accusing him of backing a so-called ‘colour revolution’.
Novak Djokovic has reportedly moved his family towards a new life in Greece amid reports he has been targeted by the Serbian government
Djokovic is claimed to have become a target following his support of student protestors
Djokovic was spotted wearing a jumper stating ‘students are champions’ at a basketball match earlier this year
He was spotted on Tuesday at the Kavouri Tennis Club, playing with his son in flip flops and posing for pictures, and is considering full membership there or at 91 Athens Riviera.
Speculation has grown that Djokovic will apply for a Greek Golden Visa, which grants residency in exchange for investment, and he has already met twice with prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, most recently on the island of Tinos.
The Serbian president has tried to cool tensions, insisting he will never speak ill of Djokovic, but the shift in domestic coverage marks a sharp change for a player once idolised at home.
Djokovic, who still owns property in Monaco, also finds himself at a crossroads on court. The 38-year-old was swept aside by Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open quarter-final, losing 6-4, 7-6, 6-2, and looked well short of the level needed to compete with the new generation.
He has reached the semi-finals of all four Slams this year but appears to have fallen behind Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in tennis’s shifting order.
