ATHENS — In a surprising turn of events that captivated the tennis world and his native Serbia, Novak Djokovic has reportedly decided against a permanent move abroad, opting instead to maintain his family’s primary residence in Greece following a period of intense speculation and a highly publicized fallout with Serbian authorities. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who had uprooted his wife Jelena and their two children to the Greek capital last year, now seems settled and keen to build a lasting home in the Mediterranean nation.
The initial relocation in late 2023 was shrouded in controversy and national heartache. It stemmed from a very public dispute with a segment of the Serbian public and political figures over Djokovic’s stance on COVID-19 vaccinations and his founding of the controversial biotech company, QuantBioRes. The backlash reached a fever pitch, creating an environment the champion felt was untenable for his family’s peace and privacy. "We sought calm, and Greece offered us that sanctuary," a source close to the family was quoted as saying at the time.
A Sanctuary Found in the Aegean
Djokovic’s connection to Greece is not new. For years, he has vacationed extensively on the island of Corfu, where he owns a luxurious villa. The decision to move administrative life to Athens, however, signaled a deeper commitment. The family settled into an exclusive northern suburb of the city, with the children enrolled in a prestigious international school. Insider reports suggest the Djokovics have embraced the Hellenic lifestyle, enjoying the relative anonymity and warmer climate far from the intense scrutiny they faced in Belgrade.
The initial move was perceived by many as a reactive, perhaps temporary, measure—a strategic retreat from public pressure. However, as months passed, the narrative began to shift. Serbian media, initially lamenting the loss of their national hero, began reporting on Djokovic’s growing comfort and investment in his new community. He was spotted frequently at local cafes, his children were thriving in their new school, and he engaged in several philanthropic discussions within Greece, hinting at long-term plans.
The Pull of Home and the Decision to Stay
Despite the serene Greek haven, the pull of Serbia, his birthplace and the wellspring of his fanatical support, remained powerful. Djokovic has always been a fiercely patriotic figure, famously leading Serbia to a Davis Cup title and celebrating victories with the national flag. The prospect of a permanent severance was a source of significant internal conflict. Recent months have seen a careful reconciliation, with Djokovic making several high-profile returns to Belgrade for tournaments and public events, where he was met with rapturous applause.
This mending of fences led to widespread speculation that he might reverse his relocation. Yet, according to multiple reports from both Greek and Serbian outlets close to the tennis star’s camp, the decision has been made: the family will stay in Greece. The primary reasons cited are:
- Family Stability: Uprooting the children again so soon was deemed too disruptive after they had successfully acclimated.
- Privacy and Peace: The family enjoys a higher degree of separation from the relentless 24/7 media cycle that follows him in Serbia.
- Logistical Hub: Athens serves as a convenient travel hub for his relentless global tour schedule.
A confidant explained the nuanced position to Serbian newspaper Blic: "Novak’s heart will always be in Serbia. It is his homeland. But for now, for the daily life of his family, Greece provides the balance they need. He can compete, train, and then return to a true home, not a hotel."
A Bifurcated Life: Champion and Family Man
This arrangement essentially creates a bifurcated life for the world No. 1. Professionally, he remains deeply embedded in Serbian tennis, continuing to run his Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade and supporting young Serbian players. He is expected to compete for Serbia at the 2024 Paris Olympics and future Davis Cup ties. His foundation’s charitable work in Serbia also continues unabated. Personally, however, his home base—the place where he recharges between tournaments—is now firmly in the Aegean.
The decision reflects a modern reality for global superstars, where nationality and residence are increasingly decoupled. For Djokovic, it represents a pragmatic solution to an intensely personal dilemma. He secures the tranquil family life he craves without having to renounce his national identity or his deep-rooted commitments in Serbia. Greek officials, reportedly delighted to have such a high-profile resident, have made it clear the family is welcome, with some even informally dubbing him "our honorary Greek champion."
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Future Plans
The resolution of this saga allows Djokovic to focus squarely on the latter stages of his legendary career, freed from the distractions of a looming relocation decision. With the 2024 season in full swing and a historic 25th Grand Slam title in his sights, stability off the court is paramount. The Greek base provides a consistent training environment and a reliable sanctuary from the pressures of the tour.
Furthermore, this move may signal the beginning of Djokovic’s long-term post-retirement planning. His investments in Greece, both in property and potential business ventures, suggest a vision that extends beyond his playing days. While he will undoubtedly remain a monumental figure in Serbian sport and society, his day-to-day life and his family’s future appear to be charting a course along the Mediterranean.
In conclusion, what began as a dramatic flight from controversy has evolved into a deliberate and settled choice. Novak Djokovic’s decision to stay in Greece is not a rejection of Serbia, but a careful construction of a new normal—one that prioritizes his family’s well-being while allowing him to continue his pursuit of tennis history. The fallout that prompted the move has subsided, replaced by a mature compromise. As one Serbian commentator poignantly noted, "He hasn’t left Serbia. He has simply expanded his home to include Greece." For now, the Djokovic family’s heart beats in two places, with their home firmly anchored in Athens.