MAROUSI, Greece — In a move that has captivated the tennis world and signaled a profound personal shift, Novak Djokovic, the record-breaking 24-time Grand Slam champion, has uprooted his family to establish a new home in Greece, a decision that was swiftly followed by a high-profile meeting with the country's Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The Serbian superstar, who has spent the majority of his life based in his native Belgrade and later Monaco, confirmed the relocation in a press conference after claiming the title at the Hellenic Championship, an exhibition event held at the newly-renovated Olympic Tennis Centre in Marousi, a suburb of Athens. The victory, a straightforward 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, served as a triumphant christening of his new home base.
A New Chapter in the Hellenic Republic
The meeting with Prime Minister Mitsotakis took place at the Maximos Mansion, the official seat of the Greek government, just days after Djokovic's on-court success. Official photographs released by the government showed a beaming Djokovic and his wife, Jelena, in conversation with the Prime Minister and his wife, Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis. The discussion reportedly centered on Djokovic's reasons for choosing Greece, his family's adjustment, and potential future collaborations in sports and philanthropy.
A statement from the Prime Minister's office noted, "The Prime Minister welcomed Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest athletes of all time, to Greece, his new home. They discussed his decision to relocate his family and his positive first impressions of the country. The Prime Minister expressed his support for Djokovic's future activities in Greece and wished him every success for the remainder of the tennis season."
For Djokovic, the move is more than a simple change of address. Sources close to the player indicate it was a carefully considered decision driven by a desire for a sunnier climate, a calmer environment for his two children, and a deep-seated appreciation for Greek history and culture. He has often spoken of his fondness for the country, which shares Orthodox Christian traditions with Serbia and is a popular holiday destination for his family.
Triumph at the Hellenic Championship
The Hellenic Championship, while an exhibition, carried significant weight as Djokovic's first competitive outing since his early exit at the Wimbledon Championships. Facing a familiar rival in world number 7 Stefanos Tsitsipas, Djokovic displayed the kind of dominant, focused tennis that has defined his career. The 6-3, 6-4 scoreline was a statement of intent, silencing any whispers about his form or motivation following the disappointing result at the All England Club.
In his post-match remarks, an emotional Djokovic addressed the local crowd in Greek before switching to English. "This feels incredibly special," he said, holding the trophy aloft. "To win here, in my new home, in front of my family, is a feeling I cannot describe. The energy from the crowd was amazing. I feel so welcome here."
The victory served multiple purposes for the champion. Beyond the symbolic homecoming, it provided crucial match practice ahead of the North American hardcourt swing and the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open. The key factors in his win were classic Djokovic hallmarks that he will look to carry forward:
- Impenetrable Return Game: He consistently applied pressure on Tsitsipas's serve, breaking twice in the first set.
- Clinical Efficiency: Djokovic saved all three break points he faced, demonstrating his trademark mental fortitude in key moments.
- Superior Movement: Despite the Greek summer heat, his court coverage was exceptional, frustrating Tsitsipas into errors.
The Logistics of a Global Superstar's Move
Relocating a family of four, along with the extensive support team of a top athlete, is a monumental task. Reports suggest that Djokovic and his family have settled in the northern suburbs of Athens, an area known for its affluence, international schools, and relative privacy. The choice of location provides a balance between the vibrant life of the capital and the serene proximity to the coast and nearby mountains.
The decision also has practical professional benefits. Greece offers excellent training facilities, including the state-of-the-art center where the Hellenic Championship was held. Furthermore, its geographical position offers easier travel to tournaments across Europe and the Middle East compared to his previous base in Monaco. Djokovic was seen training extensively at the facility in the weeks leading up to the exhibition event, familiarizing himself with the courts and conditions.
A Deeper Connection to Spirituality and Wellness
Those who know Djokovic well point to another, more profound reason for the move: a search for spiritual and physical harmony. Greece, with its ancient history, monasteries, and known focus on natural living and diet, aligns perfectly with Djokovic's well-documented holistic approach to health and wellness. He has long been an advocate for mindfulness, clean eating, and a deep connection between physical and mental performance.
In a recent interview, he hinted at this, stating, "It's important for me to be in a place that not only has great facilities but also feeds the soul. The energy in Greece, the history, the sea, the sun... it all contributes to a sense of well-being that is essential for performing at the highest level." This philosophical alignment seems to be a cornerstone of his family's new life in the Mediterranean nation.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the US Open
With his personal life settled in a new chapter, Djokovic's focus now shifts entirely to the business end of the tennis season. The triumph in Athens provides a perfect launchpad for his campaign to reclaim the world number one ranking and add a 25th Grand Slam title to his already untouchable record. His immediate schedule is expected to include the ATP Masters 1000 events in Cincinnati and, crucially, the US Open.
The Serbian will be eager to avenge his loss in the final last year to Daniil Medvedev and tie Margaret Court's all-time major record on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. The clarity and peace found in his new Greek home could be the final ingredient needed for another historic run. As he told reporters in Athens, "I feel rejuvenated. I feel motivated. The fire is still burning brightly."
The image of Novak Djokovic, champion, family man, and now official resident of Greece, standing alongside the nation's Prime Minister, marks a significant moment. It is more than a photo opportunity; it is the culmination of a personal journey and the beginning of a new professional era for an athlete who continues to redefine the limits of his sport, now from a new home in the heart of the ancient world.