ATHENS — In a move that has sent ripples through the tennis world and beyond, Novak Djokovic, the record-breaking 24-time Grand Slam champion, has uprooted his life from Monte Carlo and settled with his wife, Jelena, and their three young children in a new, permanent home in the historic city of Athens, Greece.
The decision, confirmed earlier this year, marks a significant new chapter for the Serbian superstar, one driven by a desire for stability, spiritual connection, and a fresh start after a period of intense professional and personal challenges. Djokovic, who holds Serbian citizenship, was officially granted honorary Greek citizenship in 2023, a gesture that recognized his long-standing ties to the country, his philanthropic work, and his deep admiration for its culture and people.
A Search for Peace and Permanence
The Djokovic family's relocation to Athens is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. For years, Djokovic has spoken of his love for Greece, often vacationing there and referring to it as his "second home." The move from the glitzy, tax-friendly principality of Monte Carlo to the ancient cradle of Western civilization signals a profound shift in priorities. "We wanted a more permanent base, a real home for our children to grow up in," a source close to the family was quoted as saying.
This search for a "real home" comes after a tumultuous few years where Djokovic found himself at the center of global controversies, from his high-profile deportation from Australia over his COVID-19 vaccination status to facing restrictions at other major tournaments. These events, coupled with the constant glare of the spotlight in more traditional tennis hubs, appear to have fueled his desire for a sanctuary where his family can thrive away from the court.
The family has reportedly purchased a luxurious, state-of-the-art villa in the northern suburbs of Athens, an area known for its greenery, security, and exclusivity. The property is said to feature:
• Extensive grounds providing privacy for their children, Tara, Stefan, and a newborn.
• A private tennis court and fitness facilities for Djokovic's training.
• Proximity to high-quality international schools.
A Chilly Reception at the Olympic Games
The transition to his new life, however, has not been without its public stumbles. Just weeks after solidifying his move, Djokovic experienced one of the most jarring moments of his legendary career at the very place that inspired his relocation: the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris, during the 2024 Olympic Games. Competing for Serbia, Djokovic was unexpectedly booed by a large segment of the crowd during his opening match against Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo and again, more intensely, following his subsequent loss.
The defeat, which ensured he would leave Paris without an Olympic medal for the fifth time in his career, was a crushing blow. The sight of Djokovic, visibly emotional, wiping away tears as the jeers rained down was a stark contrast to the triumphant scenes he had envisioned. In a poignant and raw press conference afterward, he confessed, "That's the worst feeling I have ever felt in my life, on a tennis court, in my career. I felt betrayed. I felt sad."
The Aftermath of the Paris Disappointment
The incident in Paris highlighted a complex and often fraught relationship Djokovic has with tennis crowds throughout his career. While he is revered in Serbia and by his legion of dedicated fans worldwide, he has frequently been cast as the villain in rivalries against the more universally adored Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The Olympic booing, however, felt different—more personal and cutting, especially given the unique honor of representing his country.
In the days that followed, an emotional Djokovic hinted at a period of deep reflection. He canceled his scheduled participation in the Laver Cup and withdrew from the tournament in Shanghai, extending his break from the tour. "I need to go back to my family, to my kids, and recharge," he stated, indicating that the sanctuary of his new Athenian home had never been more needed.
Building a New Foundation in Greece
Back in Athens, away from the tumult of the international tennis circuit, Djokovic is focusing on the pillars of his new life. His connection to Greece is deeply spiritual; he is a devout Orthodox Christian, and the country's rich religious history and multitude of monasteries and churches provide a source of strength and contemplation that aligns with his personal beliefs and wellness-focused lifestyle.
Furthermore, the move is strategic for his long-term business and philanthropic ventures. The Novak Djokovic Foundation, which focuses on early childhood education and development, has existing projects in the region, and a base in Athens facilitates easier management and expansion of these efforts across Southeastern Europe. The family's new life is being built around:
• Establishing a stable and enriching environment for their children.
• Deepening their philanthropic and business ties in the Balkans and Mediterranean.
• Finding a spiritual and cultural anchor in Greek society.
This holistic approach to life after tennis is something Djokovic has been planning for years. In his new home, he is not just a tennis player; he is a father, a husband, a philanthropist, and now, an honorary citizen fully immersed in his chosen community. The pace of life in Athens, while still a bustling metropolis, offers a different rhythm from the transient, high-pressure existence of the global tennis tour.
What Lies Ahead for the Tennis Legend?
The burning question for the sporting world is how this major life change and the recent emotional turmoil will impact the remainder of Djokovic's career. At 37, he is in the twilight of his playing days, yet still fiercely competitive and driven by the goal of adding more major titles to his unprecedented tally. The extended break following the Olympics suggests a player listening to his mind and body, prioritizing his well-being in a way he may not have earlier in his career.
His training base is now officially in Athens, where he is reportedly setting up a private training facility. This move away from the traditional European tennis centers symbolizes a further declaration of independence, a path uniquely his own. Analysts speculate that a refreshed and mentally recharged Djokovic, insulated from the daily pressures of the tour in his Athenian haven, could return with a renewed vengeance for the 2025 season.
Conversely, the events in Paris and the comfort of a settled family life could accelerate his transition towards retirement. The pain of the Olympic experience was palpable, and the desire to spend more time with his young family in their new home is a powerful force. The drive to compete at the highest level must now be balanced against the pull of a fulfilling life he has carefully constructed outside the sport.
In the end, the relocation to Athens is more than a simple change of address. It is a definitive statement about identity and legacy. Novak Djokovic is consciously writing the next chapter of his story on his own terms, in a country that embraces him, seeking a peace that has sometimes eluded him on the world's tennis courts. While the roar of the crowd—both adoring and critical—will always be a part of his narrative, his focus has shifted to the sounds of a new life, and a new home, in Greece.