As the 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic reaches the tail end of his career, he has settled in Greece with his wife, Jelena, and their children, Tara and Stefan, since the summer of 2025. Djokovic recently confirmed the move and called it a new chapter of his life beyond the demanding tennis career.
Novak Djokovic Reveals the Reason Behind Relocating to Greece
Djokovic and his family moved to Greece after the US Open in September 2025. The 38-year-old also skipped the Paris Masters and chose to play the Hellenic Championship before the ATP Finals in Turin. In a recent interview with CNN Greece, Djokovic revealed why he decided to relocate and spoke about the strong historical connection between Serbia and Greece.
“There is a lot of historical, religious, cultural, social ties between Greece and Serbia that is a big part of the reason why I’m here,” he said. “It is also because of the weather, the food is incredible, you are on one of the nicest coastlines in Europe, in the world. And I just love the lifestyle, you know, and I really feel that the Greek and Serbian people are like brothers, and so this is the biggest reason.”
The relocation is about finding peace and living a lifestyle that fits Djokovic’s values. He added, “We are, as a family, trying to see how life goes here and experience. You know, it’s only been less than two months, so we will see how it goes. But so far, as I said, it’s been a very positive experience.”
Novak on why he chose Greece
There is a lot of historical l, religious, cultural, social ties between Greece and Serbia that is big part of the reason why I’m here, is also because the weather, the food is incredible, you are on the nicest coastlines in Europe, in the world…I… pic.twitter.com/Byh20hDrLx
— ᖴᖇᗩᑎI ® (@frani2312) November 3, 2025
However, besides these reasons, reports suggest that Djokovic was also influenced by some political tension, especially after he showed support for protests against Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić last year.
Djokovic’s professional world is also shifting in Greece. The Belgrade Open, which was run by his family, has been moved to Athens, renamed the Hellenic Championship, and is now managed by his brother, Djordje.
Djokovic’s children, Stefan and Tara, are already attending school in Athens, and the world No. 5 has joined a local tennis club. He has also bought a home in the city and may reportedly apply for Greece’s Golden Visa soon.
Djokovic Shares His Thoughts on Retirement
As Djokovic nears 40, questions about retirement are becoming harder to avoid, especially after rising stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are taking away the spotlight. Recently, doubles legend Rennae Stubbs also got some backlash for her comments on the world No. 5’s retirement. But Djokovic seems the least bothered by the talk.
“Why do I need to get this question all the time? I think I’ve earned the right to play for as long as I really want,” he said after defeating Alejandro Tabilo in the first round of the Hellenic Championship.
“Personally, I understand people’s curiosity, but right now that doesn’t exist in my head. Of course, it’s crossed my mind a few times, but at the end of the day I’ve decided to simply play on my own terms- to play where I want to play, not where others think I should,” Djokovic added.
Novak’s answer to the question on the possibility of retiring
“I really want to enjoy the moments like this one tonight, I think I earned my right to really be playing as much as I really want”
And we are very happy to see you every single time on the court Nole pic.twitter.com/82hmNeVfdw
— ᖴᖇᗩᑎI ® (@frani2312) November 5, 2025
Even after dealing with injuries and playing a limited schedule, he still loves competing, and the 38-year-old clearly has a lot of tennis left in him.
