Novak Djokovic is reportedly weighing up fleeing to Greece in his retirement after a falling out with the Serbian government. The 24-time Grand Slam winner’s father, Srdjan, let slip last year that Djokovic was initially planning on living in Belgrade when he finally calls time on an incredible tennis career.
That’s despite Djokovic owning luxury properties in New York, Monaco and Marbella. Srdjan claimed: “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.” Djokovic secured a three-bedroom penthouse in New Belgrade in 2018 for a modest £505,000, which overlooks the scenic Lake Pavlova. However, it now appears as though the 38-year-old may opt to relocate to Greece in his retirement in the coming years after a reported fallout with the Serbian government.
The tennis great has received a wealth of criticism as a result of supporting student-led protests against Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic in December. The protests came about after the collapse of a railway station in Novi Sad a month prior, in which 16 people tragically lost their lives.
Writing on social media in support of the demonstrations, Djokovic said: “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.”
While Djokovic has not explicitly spoken out against Vucic or the administration, reports from German newspaper NZZ suggest that his actions have led to the Serbian government “setting their sights” on him while also accusing him of “fleeing to Greece.”
It comes amid claims that Djokovic is considering moving his family to Greece through a Golden Visa programme, with the tennis ace meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis twice as of late. But Djokovic himself has downplayed any confirmation of a permanent move to the country coming to fruition.
Speaking 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.”
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Meanwhile, Vucic has insisted that there is no ill will toward Djokovic, despite his support of last year’s protests. 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 crashed out of the US Open in the semi-finals on Friday at the hands of newly-crowned world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. While the Serbian has won four of his 24 total Grand Slams stateside, his Spanish opponent proved too hot to handle by emerging victorious in a 6-4 7-6 6-2 clinic.
Sunday’s final was an instant classic between the Spaniard and long-time rival, Jannik Sinner, with Alcaraz clinching the sixth major title of his own career after beating the Italian 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4. Djokovic, meanwhile, is set to continue his quest for a record-breaking 25th major next year, despite admitting his struggles to keep pace with Alcaraz and Sinner.