Novak Djokovic ditches Serbia for Greece: 'Athens is in my heart!'-Here's why

Novak Djokovic has finally spoken about why he had relocated his family from Serbia to Athens in a post-match conference after his first ATP event match against Alejandro Tabilo in Belgrade, Athens.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner moved his family from Serbia amid a severe backlash after the tennis legend vouched for protesters against Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic.

Djokovic kicked off the Hellenic Championship with a 7-6, 6-7 win over Alejandro Tabilo in his career’s first-ever tennis match in Greece on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

During a post-match press conference, Djokovic got emotional and revealed why his true love is Greece since moving his family from Serbia. He said, “Athens is in my heart!”

Djokovic shared the reason behind his excitement about moving to Athens.

“It feels really at home, playing in Athens. A few months ago when I came here with my family, I was very excited because I have always loved Greece.”

Djokovic continued while explaining why Greece has touched his heart, saying, “Serbians love Greece, for sure. Historically, culturally, and religiously, we have a lot of things connecting us. It was amazing to experience the great hospitality of the Greek people.

“More than the recognition for my tennis achievement, I feel people have approached me in the most friendly and humane way, and that is something that has touched my heart. Athens is in my heart.”

Novak Djokovic will now play in the quarter-finals against Nuno Borges, in what will be the pair’s first-ever face-off.