From National Hero to Unexpected Exile: The Shocking Story of Novak Djokovic's Move to Greece
Published: November 13, 2025
It's a story that has captivated the sports world: Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic, once a symbol of Serbian pride, has seemingly turned his back on his homeland, now residing in Greece. But what exactly led to this dramatic shift? Let's dive in.
The relocation first became apparent in August when news broke that the Belgrade Open, a tournament, would be moving to Athens. This move was a clear indication of Djokovic's change of scenery.
Djokovic's journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. He went from being a celebrated hero, even receiving promises of a museum in his honor from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic after his gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, to an 'outcast'. Now, he resides in Greece with his wife and children. His children, Stefan and Tara, are reportedly enrolled at St Lawrence College, a British school in Athens with tennis courts.
But here's where it gets controversial... What caused this drastic change in Djokovic's standing in Serbia? The answer lies in his support for a student protest movement that opposed President Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Party. Initially, his support was subtle, a simple message on X. Then, in early 2025, he wore a hoodie to a basketball game emblazoned with "Students are champions." He later shared a photo of a mass protest on Instagram.
And this is the part most people miss... While President Vucic was cautious in his response, a right-wing tabloid didn't hold back, labeling Djokovic a "disgrace" and a "false patriot" for his move to Greece. This illustrates the deep political divisions that likely contributed to his decision.
When asked about his choice of Greece, Djokovic shared his reasons: "It is also because of the weather, the food is incredible, you are on one of the nicest coastlines in Europe, in the world. I just love the lifestyle, you know, and I really feel that the Greek and Serbian people are like brothers, so this is the biggest reason."
What do you think? Do you believe Djokovic's political stance played a significant role in his relocation? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Did his reasons for choosing Greece resonate with you?
