Djokovic switches his ATP tournament from Belgrade to Athens

In a surprising shake-up to the ATP calendar, the 2025 Belgrade Open—originally slated for November—will now take place in Athens, Greece, instead of its traditional home in the Serbian capital, SportKlub reported on Monday.

The decision was made by the family of Novak Djokovic, who hold the tournament license and has overseen its organization since 2021.

The ATP has announced that the ATP 250 tournament in Belgrade, Serbia, will relocate to Athens, Greece, this year from 2-8 November… 🗺️

— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 4, 2025

Why the change?

According to a statement posted by the Serbia Open on Instagram, organizers were unable to secure the necessary conditions to host the event in Belgrade on the planned dates and in the intended format.

“Despite great dedication and efforts, the necessary conditions to host the tournament on the planned date and in the planned format could not be guaranteed. Therefore, it was decided not to hold this year’s edition,” the statement read

The statement highlighted the nine tournaments organized in the Serbian capital since 2021, under different brands: five ATP 250 tournaments, one WTA 250, one WTA 125, one ATP Challenger 125, and one ITF tournament.

“The organization remains committed to the development of tennis in Serbia and will continue working to create the necessary conditions for professional tournaments to be held again in Belgrade in the future,” it added.

Political overtones

Greek and Serbian media outlets suggest the move may be linked to growing tensions between Djokovic and the Serbian government, led by President Aleksandar Vucic. The friction reportedly intensified after Djokovic publicly supported a massive student protest movement that erupted following the collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad in November 2024, which tragically claimed 16 lives.

Djokovic expressed solidarity with the demonstrators, stating: “Serbia has enormous potential, and its educated youth are its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect.”

A new home in Greece?

In addition to meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in June—and again last weekend—some outlets speculate Djokovic may be considering relocating to Greece through the country’s “golden visa” program.

The move brings an ATP tournament back to Athens for the first time since 1994, signaling not only a boost for Greek tennis but also a symbolic shift in Djokovic’s international presence and influence.