Novak Djokovic, 24-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most iconic figures in world tennis, is going through a difficult time off the court. According to multiple reports, the Serbian star is considering a move to Greece amid a growing conflict with the Serbian government, stemming from his outspoken support for student protests that have been rocking the country since late last year.
The protests that erupted in Serbia in December 2023 have their origins in a tragic accident in November, when the canopy of a train station in Novi Sad collapsed, killing 16 people. The catastrophe ignited popular anger against the authorities, accused of negligence and corruption, and led to student-led demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vucic, who has been in power for more than a decade.
In this context, Djokovic publicly sided with the young protesters, a gesture that earned him harsh criticism in several media outlets linked to the government. The tennis player shared a message of support in December through his social networks: “As someone who believes deeply 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.”
Djokovic’s commitment was not just symbolic. During his triumph at the Australian Open, he dedicated his victory to a student who had been run over in a protest. Months later, in March, he published with amazement a photo of a massive demonstration in Belgrade that brought together around 300,000 people.He was even caught at a local basketball derby wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “Students are champions”, an act that did not go unnoticed and generated significant media coverage. However, Djokovic has tried to keep a certain public distance from direct attacks on Vucic or the government, opting for a measured discourse that does not involve direct confrontations.
The latest conflicts
His popularity in Serbia has always been high, but in recent weeks the pro-government press has accused him of anti-regime stances. For example, the controversy surrounding his celebration at Wimbledon, where he made an arm movement that some linked to a student slogan ‘pump it’, led Djokovic to clarify that the gesture was simply a personal celebration, inspired by the song ‘Pump It Up’.
The German newspaper ‘Neue Zürcher Zeitung’ reported that the Serbian government was “setting its sights” on Djokovic, while the Serbian tabloid ‘Informer’, loyal to Vucic, branded the tennis player a “disgrace” and a “false patriot”, accusing him of planning to “flee to Greece”.
In fact, recent reports indicate that Djokovic is exploring the possibility of moving his family to Greece through a Golden Visa program, which allows residency for foreign investors. The tennis player met twice with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis: in Athens in June and on the island of Tinos in early August. While Djokovic has downplayed these rumors, stating that “at the moment” he does not plan to move, speculation continues to grow.
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