Novak Djokovic is back in action at the Shanghai Masters on Friday, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion has been embroiled in a political storm back in his native Serbia
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam titan, is set to make his return at the Shanghai Masters today. However, his alleged fallout with the Serbian government casts a significant shadow over him.
Almost a month has passed since his last match. Carlos Alcaraz dismantled him in the US Open semi-final – a 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 drubbing that left the 38-year-old Serb licking his wounds. Since then, Djokovic has found himself caught in a whirlwind of political mudslinging back home.
His outspoken support for student-led demonstrations opposing President Aleksandar Vucic, ignited by a horrific incident that claimed 16 lives, has seen his image shift from cherished icon to ‘disgrace’ in pro-regime press. Rumours of a sustained smear campaign have forced Djokovic to uproot his family and abandon his cherished plans of retiring in Belgrade. Here, Mirror Sport breaks down the situation and the reasons behind all the drama.
‘Targeted by Serbian government’
What should have been a triumphant chapter for Djokovic – an Olympic gold medal in Paris last summer and even talk of a museum dedicated to him – turned sour after he sided with demonstrators protesting the Novi Sad canopy tragedy.
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His social media posts struck a defiant tone, writing: “As someone who deeply believes in the power of young people and their desire for a better future, I consider it important that their voice is heard. Serbia has enormous potential, and educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak.”
He went further by sharing photos of 300,000 marchers, with the caption: “History, amazing!” Within days, hostile outlets labelled him a “disgrace” and a “false patriot” for considering a move abroad. German newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung reported that “regime-friendly media” had “set their sights” on the tennis great.
President Vucic, however, attempted to downplay any feud, saying: “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.”
Retirement plans changed
According to Novak’s father, Srdjan, the seven-time Wimbledon champion had originally planned to retire in Belgrade. However, it seems those plans have been scuppered. Despite owning plush properties in New York, Monaco and Marbella, Djokovic had his heart set on a tranquil life back in his homeland post-tennis.
In 2018, he bought a three-bedroom penthouse in Belgrade for a modest £505,000, boasting views of the famous Danube River. He subsequently splashed out on modern upgrades to enhance the space ahead of his retirement – and also purchased a quaint villa roughly an hour’s drive west of the city, nestled on the banks of the picturesque Lake Pavlova. A perfect rural retreat.
It was the ideal arrangement, especially with his parents nearby, as well as the famed Restaurant Novak, a family-run establishment brimming with mementos from his illustrious career, from signed tennis balls to framed photos and trophies, just a stone’s throw away.
Also in close proximity is the Novak Tennis Centre, established in 2009, which boasts 14 courts and serves as a popular spot for both local players and visiting enthusiasts. But his reported issues with the Serbian government have shattered his Belgrade retirement dream.
Move to Greece and breaking silence
In response to the mounting tension – and in an effort to protect his family from the controversy – Djokovic is believed to have moved to Athens, Greece last month.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner had previously held several discussions with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and during the summer was spotted viewing properties, tennis facilities and schools for his children, 10-year-old Stefan and eight-year-old Tara.
According to Tennis24, Stefan and Tara have been registered at St. Lawrence College, a private and independent British school, whilst the family has secured accommodation in the Southern Suburbs.
A few weeks ago, Novak and Stefan were seen publicly for the first time since the supposed move, taking in some live tennis in Athens, watching from the spectator area as Greece faced Brazil in the Davis Cup. When questioned by Greek publication Tennisko Reketiranje about his fresh start, Djokovic politely asked for privacy.
“I’m with my son now, sorry,” he said, before being asked whether his relocation to the Greek capital was permanent. “I don’t know, I don’t know,” he responded. “I’m just enjoying my time with the family. I will be here for the tournament.”
Return at the Shanghai Masters
Looking to leave recent off-court turmoil behind him, Djokovic has travelled to China for the 2025 Shanghai Masters – a competition he’s won a record four times. The world No. 4 kicks off his campaign on Friday against Croatian stalwart Marin Cilic, marking his first match since Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic is heading into the Shanghai tournament after a rare barren year in the majors. For only the second time since 2010, he hasn’t managed to bag a Grand Slam title, leaving him eager to gain momentum ahead of the 2026 season.
After clinching Olympic gold in 2024, Djokovic’s only remaining career goal remains clear: a 25th Grand Slam, which would propel him past Margaret Court and solidify his status as the most successful player in tennis history. However, the challenge has arguably never been more formidable.
Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have been dominating the field, dividing the last eight Slams between them, and with father time snapping at his heels, Djokovic’s window of opportunity is closing. His next shot comes at the Australian Open – a tournament he has impressively dominated 10 times.
One final triumph would make for an extraordinary narrative. But with off-court distractions brewing, only time will tell if Djokovic can once again drown out the noise and let his tennis do all the talking.