Online Reporter
NOVAK Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is reportedly finalising plans to relocate his family from Belgrade, Serbia, to a new country.
After several meetings with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speculation has been rife that Djokovic could be setting up home in Greece.
It now appears that Athens is set to become the new base for the Djokovic family, with the world No. 4 already spotted at a local tennis club and having found a school for his two children nearby.
Tennis24 reports that Djokovic’s children, Stefan, 10, and Tara, eight, have been enrolled at St. Lawrence College, a private British school in Athens, while the family has secured a residence in the city’s Southern Suburbs.
The Djokovics are already settling into life in Athens, with Novak and Stefan seen practising together on a court at the Kavouri Tennis Club.
The former world No. 1 is currently searching for a suitable tennis club for Stefan and Tara, with either Kavouri or the 91 Athens Riviera under consideration, reports the Express.
This move comes amid allegations that Djokovic has been targeted by the Serbian government following his support for student-led protests against Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic last December.
These protests were triggered by the tragic collapse of a railway station in Novi Sad the previous month, which resulted in the loss of 16 lives.
Djokovic publicly backed the demonstrators on social media last year, posting: “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.”
The 38-year-old also committed one of his January Australian Open victories to a student who was struck by a vehicle during a demonstration.
While Djokovic has not directly criticised President Vucic or the Serbian administration, it emerged earlier this year that he was allegedly considering relocating his family to Greece through a Golden Visa scheme, which provides residency to non-EU nationals who invest in the nation.
Discussing his possible relocation at Wimbledon this summer, the Olympic gold medallist said: “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.”
However, Djokovic and his family now appear virtually prepared to establish themselves in Athens.
The ATP 250 tournament traditionally staged in Belgrade – which is managed by one of Djokovic’s siblings – has also been transferred to Athens this year.
The Hellenic Championship will run from November 2 to 8, and it’s the sole tournament that Djokovic has pledged to participate in for the remainder of the season. –WalesOnline
