Nole Djokovic leaves Serbia after clashing with the regime

Novak Djokovic has decided to leave Belgrade, Serbia, and move to another European country.

Nole left the Serbian capital to settle in Athens, uprooting the family after a bitter fallout with the political elite of his home country.

Novak Djokovic relocated to Greece

The 38 year old man quietly enrolled both his children, Tara and Stefan (11 years old) at St. Lawrence College – an elite international school located in the Greek capital.

Novak’s wife Jelena was spotted shopping at Glyfada in the couple’s new neighbourhood on the coast, while Novak had already been seen hitting tennis balls at Kavouri. Locals claim that the Djokovics have adapted well to life in Athens. Residents are happy to stop him on the promenade for a selfie.

Backstory: Fallout with Serbian political regime

But the move that is so sunny has a dark history. Djokovic faced harsh criticism in Serbia when he voiced support for mass demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vucic.

He was branded a “false Patriot” by regime-friendly media when he supported student protests following a train station collapse which killed 16. The campaign intensified after he condemned the violence of police, which left him isolated in his home.

Building a new life in Athens

Athens now appears to be much more than just a haven. Djokovic is said to be seeking Greece’s golden visa, a residency program for large investors. He has bought property in Glyfada. He is also thinking about opening a tennis school on the Riviera. The ATP 250 tournament, which was once held in Belgrade, will be played in Athens this November under the management of his family.

Greece is a new chapter for the most decorated tennis player. Overall, it feels like an action thriller. A superstar is escaping home politics and reinventing themselves on the Mediterranean coast.

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