House-hunting in Athens and enrolling his children in school
Labeled a 'traitor' by pro-government media
There is a growing rumor that Novak Djokovic, a 38-year-old Serbian tennis player, is moving to Greece. After supporting anti-government protests in Serbia last year, he became embroiled in controversy at home as a 'traitor.' On September 14, Yonhap News, citing The Times of the UK, reported that Djokovic was recently seen house-hunting in Athens, the capital of Greece.
Djokovic performed an arm-waving ceremony at Wimbledon last July, which was interpreted as a gesture symbolizing the protest slogan "pumpaj" (keep pushing). Photo by AP Yonhap News
Previously, Djokovic also met with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Prime Minister of Greece, and reportedly relocated the base of the tennis tournament he hosts from Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, to Athens. The rumors of his relocation have gained further traction after it was revealed that Djokovic transferred his children to a school in Greece. The Times explained, "These developments have occurred after pro-government media in Serbia began labeling Djokovic as a 'traitor' for supporting the anti-government protests."
Since November of last year, Serbia has been in turmoil with anti-government protests following a roof collapse at Novi Sad train station in the northern city, which left 16 people dead. The cause of the accident was attributed to a government contract awarded through corruption. Protesters have also claimed that President Aleksandar Vucic is linked to drug trafficking organizations and football hooligans. However, President Vucic has completely denied these allegations and has arrested participants in the protests.
In December of last year, Djokovic officially declared his support for the protests, stating, "As someone who deeply believes in the power of the younger generation and their desire for a better future, I believe their voices must be heard." At the Australian Open this January, he also expressed solidarity with a student who was seriously injured after being hit by a vehicle during a protest. Last July at Wimbledon, Djokovic performed a ceremony waving his arm, which was interpreted as a gesture symbolizing the protest chant "pumpaj" (keep pushing).
Back in 2021, Djokovic also opposed the government's plan to construct a new lithium mine in Serbia by supporting protests against it. As Djokovic's voice grew louder and his influence expanded, pro-government tabloids in Serbia began to attack him. Unlike in the past, when he was celebrated as a 'national hero' in sports, they accused him of inciting violence. Some even raised suspicions that Djokovic was using drugs.
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