But why Greece? And why now?
As Djokovic, now 38, approaches the final chapters of his glittering career, sources suggest he’s eyeing a new kind of match point — a life under the Aegean sun. Whether he’s fallen for the country’s laid-back charm or its generous Golden Visa program, one thing is clear: the world’s most decorated male tennis player could be on the verge of becoming a Greek citizen.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia keeps his eye on the ball against compatriot Janko Tipsarevic during their singles tennis match at the ATP World Tour Finals in the O2 Arena in London November 25, 2011. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez (BRITAIN – Tags: SPORT TENNIS)
Greece: The New Love of the Tennis Elite
Djokovic wouldn’t be the first tennis titan to be drawn to Greece. Rafael Nadal recently opened an academy at the luxurious Sani Resort in Halkidiki, while famed coach Patrick Mouratoglou has established his own training center in Costa Navarino. Now, insiders whisper that Djokovic has already chosen a residence in Athens’ affluent northern suburbs — not just as a summer retreat, but as a full-time base for him, his wife Jelena, and their two children.
This isn’t just about real estate. Djokovic owns high-end properties from Miami to Marbella and Monte Carlo. His interest in Greece sends a clear message: the country is not just a tourist destination but an emerging lifestyle haven for the global elite, even for retirees — especially if your retirement comes after 24 Grand Slam titles.
A Hero at War With His Homeland
But Djokovic’s journey to Greece may have deeper motivations — political ones.
In Serbia, Djokovic is a national icon, practically a living legend. Yet recently, he has found himself at odds with his own government. President Aleksandar Vučić and pro-government media have turned against the tennis star and his wife, criticizing their support for a grassroots protest movement that followed the deadly collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad in November 2024, which killed 15 people. Djokovic’s public solidarity with the victims and calls for accountability made him an overnight scapegoat.
Despite his longstanding philanthropic efforts in Serbia — especially in education through the Novak Djokovic Foundation — the backlash has been sharp. Increasingly alienated at home, Greece may be offering more than just a Mediterranean lifestyle; it may offer peace.
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 6, 2025 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts during his semi final match against Italy’s Jannik Sinner REUTERS/Lisi Niesner TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Friends in High Places
Ironically, as Djokovic’s relationship with Serbia’s leadership sours, his rapport with Greek officials is warming. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is reportedly among his admirers. While a much-publicized tennis match between the two never happened, they were recently seen dining together at a prominent Athenian restaurant.
Given Djokovic’s famously strict — and some would say eccentric — dietary habits, their dinner may have been more fascinating than any rally. In his 2013 book Serve to Win, Djokovic detailed his gluten-free, dairy-free, and energy-focused eating regime, which was shaped by his work with holistic doctor Igor Cetojevic. One of the stranger diagnostic tests? Holding a loaf of bread to see if it disrupted his balance — it did, and thus began his war on gluten.
Magic Potions and Metaphysics
Cetojevic wasn’t just a doctor; he became Djokovic’s guru, introducing him to a world where thoughts could purify water and emotions could energize food. Djokovic firmly believes that a negative thought can turn water toxic, while positive energy can render even contaminated food safe.
This might sound far-fetched — and it is — but Djokovic has been vocal about these beliefs. In a 2020 Instagram Live session with Chervin Jafarieh, a former real estate agent turned wellness influencer, the two discussed “energetic fields” around food and water. One wonders what kind of vibes were floating around during his dinner with the Greek PM, or if the menu included his beloved dates — his self-declared favorite snack.
He’s also been known to munch on grass from Wimbledon courts after winning, calling it an impulsive celebration of childhood dreams come true.
Anti-Vaxxer and Spiritual Seeker
But not all of Djokovic’s eccentricities are so harmless.
In 2022, the tennis world was rocked when Djokovic arrived at the Australian Open unvaccinated against COVID-19 — despite the tournament’s strict health protocols. The saga that followed, including his detainment and deportation, made global headlines.
Why did he take such a risk? Djokovic had publicly denounced vaccination, citing his belief in natural immunity, divine protection, and — perhaps most eyebrow-raising — the healing energies of a Bosnian pyramid in Visoko he frequently visits.
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 6, 2025 A fan holds up a sign for Serbia’s Novak Djokovic during his semi final match against Italy’s Jannik Sinner REUTERS/Lisi Niesner
His choice cost him a shot at the title that year, but he returned in 2023 to claim the trophy, proving that on the court, at least, his powers hadn’t waned. Still, his spiritual flirtations and public controversies have made him one of the most divisive figures in modern sports — a paradox of unmatched athletic brilliance and confounding personal beliefs.
A Warrior Forged in War
To understand Djokovic, you have to go back to his roots.
Born to working-class parents running a ski resort canteen in Serbia, Djokovic grew up during the brutal Yugoslav Wars. He has spoken often about hiding in basements during NATO bombings, training in abandoned swimming pools, and pushing through hardship that would break most children. He says those years didn’t just shape him — they forged him.
From those ashes, he rose to become the greatest men’s tennis player in history. With 24 Grand Slams, over 200 million dollars in prize money, and 428 weeks at world No. 1, Djokovic is a record-breaking machine. And he’s still going.
Facing the Future — and the Future Challenger
Even as his career nears its twilight, Djokovic refuses to fade. His main rival now? A 22-year-old Spaniard named Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz, hailed as the heir to Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, has already beaten “Nole” twice in Wimbledon finals (2023 and 2024). His journey, unlike Djokovic’s war-torn beginnings, was a family mission spanning three generations. His grandfather and father never had the resources to chase tennis dreams, but they made sure Carlos did — with help from an unlikely sponsor, a small Spanish dairy packaging company that funded his first international trips.
Tennis – Queen’s Club Championships – Queen’s Club, London, Britain – June 22, 2025 Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after winning his final against Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Despite their age gap — Djokovic is 16 years older — the two have crossed paths eight times. Their rivalry is already legendary, with Djokovic scoring a statement win at the 2025 Australian Open.
Still, the question looms large as Wimbledon 2025 kicks off: Will the new prince of tennis finally dethrone the reigning king for good, or will the old master remind the world why legends never retire quietly?
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 16, 2023 Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz with Serbia’s Novak Djokovic after winning the final REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
Greece, Glory, and the Game Ahead
As Djokovic’s journey nears its final set, his move to Greece could symbolize a full-circle moment — from a child hiding from bombs to a man seeking peace, from a tennis rebel to a Mediterranean retiree.
He may soon be a Greek citizen in name. But in spirit, Novak Djokovic has always belonged to the world.
And as long as there’s a court, a racket, and a crowd, don’t bet against him rewriting history — one last time.
