express gazette logo
The Express Gazette
Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Novak Djokovic enrolls children at Athens school as family relocates amid political tensions in Serbia

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has registered his son and daughter at a British private school in Athens as reports say the move follows criticism in Serbia after he backed student protests

Sports 6 months ago
Novak Djokovic enrolls children at Athens school as family relocates amid political tensions in Serbia

Novak Djokovic has enrolled his two children at a British private school in Athens as his family moves toward a new life in Greece amid media and political friction in Serbia, according to reports.

Tennis24 and other outlets reported that Djokovic registered his son, Stefan, 11, and daughter, Tara, 8, at Saint Lawrence College, an independent school in Athens. The 38-year-old, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, has been seen in Athens in recent days and is reported to have found a permanent home in the city's southern suburbs.

Djokovic was photographed at the Kavouri Tennis Club playing with his son and has been linked with membership at that club or at 91 Athens Riviera, local reports said. There has also been speculation that he may apply for a Greek "golden visa," which grants residency in exchange for investment; media reports say he has met Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis twice, most recently on the island of Tinos.

The move comes after Djokovic publicly expressed support for student demonstrators in Serbia. The protests began in December following the collapse of a railway-station canopy in Novi Sad that killed 16 people; students blamed alleged corruption and demanded political change. Djokovic wrote on social media: "As someone who deeply believes 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."

He later dedicated a victory at the Australian Open to a student injured during the demonstrations, attended a Belgrade basketball match wearing a jumper that read "students are champions," and shared images of mass rallies with the caption "History, amazing." Those public gestures prompted sharp coverage in some Serbian tabloids, which accused him of backing a so-called "colour revolution" and labelled him a "false patriot." President Aleksandar Vucic has sought to temper tensions, saying he would not speak ill of Djokovic.

Djokovic still owns property in Monaco and remains an active competitor on the ATP Tour. On court, he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the U.S. Open quarterfinals this year, losing 6-4, 7-6, 6-2. He reached at least the semifinals at all four Grand Slam tournaments this season but has faced questions about how he matches up with younger rivals such as Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Representatives for Djokovic did not immediately respond to requests for comment on his family's move or school enrolment. Greek and Serbian government offices declined to comment through media channels. Media reports cite local sources and club sightings for details of the Athens activities.

The relocation adds a new chapter to Djokovic's off-court life at a time when his public statements on domestic Serbian affairs have drawn political attention. Any change in residency status or long-term move could have implications for his training base and personal life, but Djokovic's competitive schedule and official plans have not been publicly altered beyond the reported school enrolments and Athens sightings.


Sources