Novak Djokovic has reportedly moved his family towards a new life in Greece amid reports he has been targeted by the Serbian government for supporting 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 political change.
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
According to Tennis24, Djokovic has now enrolled his son Stefan, 11, and daughter Tara, 8, at Saint Lawrence College, a British independent school in Athens, and found a permanent home in the city’s southern suburbs.
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.
