ATHENS — In a move that surprised many in the tennis world, Novak Djokovic and his family quietly relocated to Greece last year, establishing a new home base in the upscale seaside suburb of Glyfada, just south of Athens. The decision, made during a period of significant professional and personal transition for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, was driven by a desire for stability, privacy, and a sun-drenched lifestyle for his young family. Now settled, Djokovic has openly expressed his long-term aspirations for his new Mediterranean haven, stating he "wishes to stay" in Greece for the foreseeable future.
A Strategic Retreat and a Fresh Start
The relocation followed a tumultuous period for Djokovic. His high-profile deportation from Australia ahead of the 2022 Australian Open over his COVID-19 vaccination status created a global media firestorm and marked a low point. While he would go on to claim victories, including a record-breaking 23rd major at the French Open that year, the experience left a mark. Seeking a reprieve from the intense scrutiny and a more predictable environment, Greece emerged as an ideal solution. The country offered favorable tax conditions for high-net-worth individuals, a warm climate reminiscent of his native Serbia, and a slower pace of life. Djokovic purchased a luxurious villa in Glyfada, an area popular with affluent locals and expatriates, complete with a private tennis court and direct access to the sea, providing the sanctuary his family sought.
The move was more than a simple change of address; it represented a holistic shift. Djokovic has been seen embracing local culture, from visiting ancient sites with his children to enjoying traditional Greek cuisine. In a telling interview with Greek television, he elaborated on his connection to the country: "We feel at home here. The people are warm, the way of life is healthy, and it provides the peace we need. I see a future here for my family." This sentiment underscores a deliberate effort to build a life beyond the relentless grind of the ATP tour, focusing on his roles as a father and husband.
An Unexpected Dinner That Captured Headlines
Perhaps the most symbolic moment of Djokovic's new chapter in Greece occurred not on a court, but at a dinner table. In a gesture that spoke volumes about maturity and mutual respect, Djokovic hosted his great rival, Stefanos Tsitsipas, for a private dinner at his new home. The meeting between the Serbian legend and the Greek star, who have battled in high-stakes finals including the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open, was far from a tense affair. Instead, it was described as a warm, lengthy gathering where tennis was just one topic of conversation. Sources close to both players indicated the dinner lasted for hours, featuring discussions on philosophy, family, and life beyond the baseline.
This act of camaraderie was particularly poignant given their competitive history and the context of Djokovic's move. By reaching out to Tsitsipas, the sport's most successful active player was not only integrating into his new community but also bridging a generational and national divide. Tsitsipas later commented on the evening, noting, "It was a fantastic night. Novak is a fascinating person with deep thoughts. We spoke about many things, not just tennis. It was an honor to be welcomed into his home in my country."
Why Greece? The Allure for the Djokovic Family
The choice of Greece over other potential destinations was multifaceted. For Djokovic and his wife, Jelena, key considerations included:
- Geographic and Cultural Proximity: Greece's location is a short flight from Serbia, allowing for easy visits to extended family and his tennis centers in Belgrade.
- Lifestyle and Climate: The Mediterranean lifestyle, with an emphasis on outdoor living, fresh food, and sunshine, aligns perfectly with Djokovic's well-documented focus on health and wellness.
- Privacy and Security: Glyfada offers a level of seclusion difficult to find in more traditional tennis hubs like Monaco or Switzerland, while still providing world-class amenities.
- Long-Term Vision: There is speculation that Djokovic is laying the groundwork for a future tennis academy or business ventures in the region, using Greece as a strategic base.
Navigating Professional Fallout and Future Goals
The relocation coincided with, and perhaps facilitated, Djokovic's navigation of professional challenges. The fallout from the Australian saga and his subsequent inability to compete in the 2022 US Open due to vaccination travel restrictions forced a period of reflection. In Greece, away from the traditional tennis media centers, he found space to recalibrate. His performance since the move has been nothing short of spectacular, including a return to World No. 1 and a record-breaking 2023 season where he won three of the four majors. The stability of his new home environment is frequently cited by his team as a contributing factor to this sustained excellence.
However, his stance on personal health choices continues to define his travel schedule. While he remains barred from the United States for the same reasons, his focus has shifted to the tournaments he can play, with his Greek base serving as a perfect hub for the European clay and grass-court swings. The peace found in Glyfada appears to have granted him a renewed perspective. "My priorities are clear," he stated recently. "My family's well-being, my own peace of mind, and then tennis. When those first two are in order, the tennis follows naturally."
A Lasting Legacy Beyond the Court
Novak Djokovic's chapter in Greece is more than a celebrity real estate story. It is a narrative about an athlete at the pinnacle of his sport consciously crafting the next phase of his life. The private dinner with Tsitsipas symbolizes a softening of intense rivalries into respectful friendships, a hallmark of a player secure in his legacy. His expressed wish to stay long-term in Greece signals a departure from the transient existence of many touring pros and an investment in a community. As he continues his pursuit of more tennis history, he does so from a place of chosen calm—a sunlit villa in Greece that has become the unlikely nerve center for the final, record-shattering acts of one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen.
The Hellenic idyll seems to have provided Djokovic with something invaluable: balance. In Glyfada, he is not just the global icon Novak Djokovic, but also a neighbor, a father pushing his children on the swings by the sea, and a guest at a local taverna. This grounded reality, away from the fallout and frenzy, may well be the secret weapon that fuels his enduring dominance. As the tennis world watches him compete for more glory, his home in Greece stands as a testament to a champion prioritizing peace, proving that sometimes the most powerful move is not a winning forehand, but a conscious step towards a quieter, more fulfilling life.