Novak Djokovic’s life has always been a whirlwind of tennis triumphs, national pride, and personal evolution, but his latest chapter has surprised even the most seasoned followers of the sport. The 38-year-old, a 24-time Grand Slam champion and global tennis icon, has found a new home in Athens, Greece, following a turbulent period in his native Serbia. The move, which began quietly in 2025, has now blossomed into a fascinating story of cultural adaptation, athletic mentorship, and unexpected camaraderie on the ATP circuit.
For years, Djokovic seemed destined to settle down in his hometown of Belgrade after his career. But political tensions in Serbia—particularly after Djokovic publicly supported student-led protests against President Aleksandar Vucic following the tragic collapse of a railway station in Novi Sad—changed the trajectory of his life. While Djokovic has never directly criticized Vucic or the government, his repeated messages of encouragement for the protestors on social media did not go unnoticed. “As someone who deeply believes in the power of youth and their desire for a better future, I believe it’s 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 posted, a statement that would echo through Serbian politics and, ultimately, prompt his relocation.
By the end of 2025, Djokovic, his wife Jelena, and their two children had quietly settled in Athens. Initial speculation swirled around his application for Greece’s Golden Visa program—a route for non-EU citizens to gain residency through investment—but Djokovic downplayed these rumors during Wimbledon 2025: “Obviously, there’s a lot of speculation, but no, at the moment. But who knows what could happen in the future. Yeah, it could happen.” Despite his caution, it became clear by September that Athens was now home.
The Greek capital quickly embraced its new resident. Djokovic wasted no time making his presence felt, clinching the ATP 250 event in Athens at the end of 2025 and declaring that Greece already “felt like home.” After his loss in the Australian Open final in February 2026, Djokovic returned to Athens, signaling a deepening bond with his adopted country. The Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum even confirmed, “Djokovic wishes to stay with his family in our country,” cementing the tennis legend’s commitment to his new life.
But Djokovic’s move has not just been about escaping political strife or finding a peaceful haven. It has also sparked a unique friendship and mentorship with one of Greece’s brightest tennis stars, Stefanos Tsitsipas. With the Greek player eager to recapture his best form after a string of injuries and tough losses against top-tier opponents like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the arrival of Djokovic in Athens seemed almost serendipitous.
Tsitsipas, always known for his philosophical musings and hunger for growth, saw an opportunity in Djokovic’s presence. On February 17, 2026, during an episode of the ‘What’s The Call’ podcast, Tsitsipas revealed details about a pivotal dinner he shared with Djokovic in Vouliagmeni, his hometown, just weeks after the Serbian’s arrival in Greece. “So I had a dinner with Novak a few months ago in my hometown, Vouliagmeni. That was the first few weeks when he moved to Greece, so I obviously invited him. We had a nice little dinner for two hours,” Tsitsipas recounted. “And obviously, I was very curious to learn from him. I’m really curious to learn from his career, from his lessons that he’s learned throughout his career, his medical stuff, all these things that he does. And there was a lot of insightful stuff that I got out of it. Very interesting guy to talk to on a deep level. And I really had a lot of fun spending time with him.”
The dinner, which lasted more than two hours, was more than just a social occasion. For Tsitsipas, it was a turning point, a rare chance to glean wisdom from a living legend. “I was very curious and eager to learn from him. I really want to learn about his career, about the lessons he has learned throughout his trajectory, about his health concerns, all the things he does. Luckily, there were many valuable lessons and fantastic information that I got from that dinner. Novak is a very interesting person to have deep conversations with. I had a great time with him,” Tsitsipas added, emphasizing the depth and impact of their conversation.
It’s not every day that rivals on the court become confidantes off it, especially in the hyper-competitive world of professional tennis. Tsitsipas acknowledged this, saying, “It’s challenging to spend such moments together within a circuit that pushes you, practically every day, to be more competitive than those you encounter in the locker room.” Yet, the Greek ace recognized the value of stepping outside the boundaries of rivalry for personal growth.
Their budding friendship has already had public moments. During Djokovic’s initial weeks in Athens, he and his 11-year-old son Stefan attended a Davis Cup match to cheer on Tsitsipas as he faced Brazil’s Joao Fonseca. The gesture, small but significant, signaled Djokovic’s willingness to engage with the Greek tennis community—not just as a superstar, but as a supportive peer and mentor.
For Tsitsipas, the timing couldn’t be better. After a period marred by injuries and inconsistent results, he’s now focused on rebuilding his confidence and sharpening his game. The lessons from Djokovic—on physical preparation, mental resilience, and the art of sustaining a long, successful career—could prove invaluable. As Tsitsipas put it, “Perhaps time, along with Djokovic himself, is the best advisor to achieve this.”
Djokovic’s integration into Greek society seems to be going smoothly, too. The cultural ties between Serbia and Greece run deep, with both nations sharing a sense of brotherhood rooted in history and identity. For Djokovic, Athens isn’t just a refuge; it’s a place where he feels at home, respected, and inspired to continue his journey both on and off the court.
As the 2026 tennis season unfolds, all eyes will be on how this new dynamic influences both men. Will Tsitsipas’s renewed perspective and Djokovic’s seasoned guidance spark a resurgence for the Greek star? And how will Djokovic’s presence in Greece shape his twilight years as a competitor and mentor? One thing’s for sure: the tennis world will be watching closely, eager to see what comes next from this unlikely but compelling duo.
With Djokovic settling into Athens and Tsitsipas drawing inspiration from their newfound friendship, the Greek capital may just become the epicenter of a fresh chapter in tennis history—one marked by resilience, mentorship, and the enduring power of cross-cultural connection.
