Novak Djokovic was seemingly ready to settle in Serbia when he finally retires from a legendary tennis career, but his plans are said to have changed following an alleged government fallout
Novak Djokovic is reportedly considering a move to Greece for his retirement after a spat with the Serbian government. His father, Srdjan, claimed that he was initially considering life after tennis in Belgrade.
That’s despite the 24-time Grand Slam winner owning plush pads in New York, Monaco and Marbella. Srdjan said last year: “When Novak finishes his tennis career, he will live in his city, Belgrade, his country Serbia. I think there is no greater satisfaction, pride and success than your child spreading the glory of his people and his country all over the world.”
In 2018, Djokovic snapped up a three-bedroom penthouse in New Belgrade for a modest £505,000, boasting views of the picturesque Lake Pavlova. However, it now seems the 38-year-old may choose to retire to Greece in the coming years following an alleged fallout with his homeland’s government.
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Djokovic has faced a barrage of criticism for backing student-led protests against Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic last December. The demonstrations were sparked by the tragic collapse of a railway station in Novi Sad a month earlier, which claimed the lives of 16 people.
Posting on social media, Djokovic wrote: “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. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak.”
Elsewhere, Djokovic also dedicated a victory at this year’s Australian Open to a student who was hit by a car during the protests, as well as wearing a hoodie at the Belgrade derby basketball match, which read “students are champions.”
Whilst Djokovic hasn’t directly criticised Vucic or his government, reports from German publication NZZ indicate that his stance has led the administration to “set their sights” on him, with the publication also accusing him of “fleeing to Greece.”
It comes alongside suggestions that Djokovic is mulling relocating his family to Greece via a Golden Visa scheme, with the tennis star having met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on two recent occasions. However, Djokovic has played down any confirmation of a permanent relocation materialising.
At Wimbledon this summer, Djokovic said: “Obviously, there’s a lot of speculation, but no, at the moment. But who knows what could happen in the future. Yeah, it could happen.”
Nevertheless, Vucic has maintained there’s no animosity towards Djokovic, despite his backing of last year’s demonstrations. He told Informer: “I will never say a bad word against him. He can support my opponents, but to say anything bad about him.
“I never will. It would be bad, stupid. We will defeat that policy in the elections, but I will always cheer for him with all my heart.”
Djokovic’s US Open journey came to a halt in the semi-finals on Friday, courtesy of the newly-crowned world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. Despite Djokovic’s four Grand Slam victories out of his total 24 on American soil, the Spanish sensation proved too formidable, clinching a 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 victory.
The final on Sunday was a thrilling showdown between Alcaraz and his long-time adversary, Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz secured the sixth major title of his career after defeating the Italian 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Meanwhile, Djokovic is gearing up for his pursuit of an unprecedented 25th major next year, despite acknowledging his difficulties in matching the pace of young sensations like Alcaraz and Sinner.