Novak Djokovic has enrolled his children at a private school in Athens as the 38-year-old and his family look to build a new life in Greece, amid growing hostility towards him from Serbia’s pro-government media.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion, long regarded as a national hero, has faced increasing criticism in recent months for voicing support for student protests against president Aleksandar Vucic’s government.
Demonstrations erupted last December after the collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people.
Protesters accused officials of corruption and demanded political reform.
Novak Djokovic has enrolled his children at a private school in Athens as the 38-year-old and his family look to build a new life in Greece, amid growing hostility towards him from Serbia’s pro-government media
|REUTERS
Djokovic publicly backed the students, posting on social media: “As someone who deeply believes in the power of youth and their desire for a better future, I believe it is important that their voices are heard.
"Serbia has enormous potential, and its educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak.”
He later dedicated a victory at the Australian Open to a student injured during the protests, attended a Belgrade basketball game wearing a jumper that read “students are champions,” and shared images of mass rallies with the caption: “History, amazing.”
In response, pro-Vucic tabloids branded him a “false patriot” and accused him of supporting a Western-backed “colour revolution.”
JUST IN: ITV suffer backlash from football fans as England batter Serbia in World Cup qualifying match
According to Tennis24, Djokovic has now enrolled his son Stefan, 11, and daughter Tara, 8, at Saint Lawrence College, a British independent school in Athens, and purchased a home in the southern suburbs of the city.
On Tuesday, he was seen playing tennis with his son at the Kavouri Tennis Club, where he posed for photos in flip-flops, and is considering membership there or at the 91 Athens Riviera club.
There is speculation that the former world No 1 may apply for a Greek Golden Visa, a residency programme granted in exchange for investment.
Djokovic has also held two private meetings this year with Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the most recent on the island of Tinos.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Novak Djokovic caused controversy by wearing a 'students are champions' hoodie
|X
While president Vucic has publicly tried to ease tensions — insisting he will never speak ill of Djokovic — the turn in media coverage represents a stark shift for a player once idolised at home.
Djokovic, who continues to split his time between Europe and his residence in Monaco, also faces questions over his future on court.
Now 38, he was comprehensively beaten by Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the US Open quarter-finals - missing out on a 25th career major in the process.
Though he has reached the semi-finals of all four Slams this season, the Serbian appears to have slipped behind Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in tennis’s emerging hierarchy.
Speaking after his recent exit, he acknowledged his rivals were simply 'too good' at the current moment in time.
Djokovic said: “I lost three out of four slams in semis against these guys, so they’re just too good, you know, playing on a really high level.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Novak Djokovic was recently beaten by Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open
|REUTERS
"Unfortunately, I ran out of gas after the second set [against Alcaraz].
"I think I had enough energy to battle him and to keep up with his rhythm for two sets. After that I was gassed out, and he kept going.
"That’s kind of what I felt this year also with Jannik. Yeah, best-of-five makes it very, very difficult for me to play them. Particularly if it's like the end stages of the Grand Slam."