Novak Djokovic set to commit long term future away from Serbia as he settles in Greece while admitting he feels 'Greek'

Novak Djokovic is loving life as he currently resides in Greece after leaving Serbia with his family. As he gets used to the culture while learning another language, the reasons for his departure from his native country is starting to become clear.

The move had looked like it was set to be a temporary one with controversy flaring up in Belgrade. But it seems that Djokovic has warmed to the country and is happy to commit his long-term future to living there.

It is a radical life change for Djokovic and his family. Him and his wife, Jelena, traversed over the border with their two children, Stefan and Tara, who seem to be enjoying their new surroundings. This looks to have played into their thinking that this is a good place to live, and Djokovic has indicated this to Thanos Plevris, the Minister for Migration and Asylum.

The pair met after Djokovic lost the Australian Open final to Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final. Plevris wrote a message on social media showing off their meeting in person. “With great pleasure, we welcomed to the Ministry the great athlete and man Djokovic” Plevris wrote. “It is an honour for us that he wishes to stay with his family in our country.”

The 38-year-old has been living in Greece for less than a year but has already admitted that he feels Greek. This was unveiled in an interview after returning to the country following his expedition Down Under. He was asked: "Do you feel like a Greek man?" He replied: "I do, I do. I still need to learn Greek. I’m not very good with the language; it’s not easy." If anyone could learn another language, it was Djokovic who can already speak up to 11 different languages.

The move to Athens last year came out of the blue. Seemingly adored in Serbia with him being one of their biggest sporting icons and celebrities, this was overturned when he became vocal about a tragic incident when a railway station collapsed in 2024 in Novi Sad, which killed 16 people.

He continued to support the protestors, writing: "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 dedicated one of his wins at the 2025 Australian Open to a student who got hit by a car while protesting.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was targeted by the tabloids and moved to Athens after he was the target of a smear campaign from the Serbian government.

In late 2025, he acknowledged that Serbs and Greeks have many similarities. "There are many historical, religious, social, and cultural ties between Greece and Serbia that are a big reason why I am here. Also, the weather and the food are incredible, and the coast is one of the most beautiful. I like the lifestyle, and I really feel that the Greek and Serbian people are like brothers. That is the biggest reason."

From a tennis perspective, he was crucial in the Hellenic Championship coming back and was the victor in his new home event, defeating Lorenzo Musetti after coming back from a one set deficit in the final. It was his 101st title and a very special one for him. He was passionate about it being in Greece, saying in his winners speech: "Like at home. I love it! I want to thank everybody for coming out today and all week, supporting me and all the players. It's been amazing for everyone."