The world of international sports has been set ablaze by a sudden and unexpected announcement from one of the greatest athletes of all time. Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has officially confirmed his relocation to the historic and sun-drenched land of Greece. While rumors had been swirling for months regarding his potential move from his long-time residences in Monaco and Spain, the sheer speed and finality of this transition have caught fans and the global media off guard.
In a recent and highly anticipated public appearance, the tennis legend did more than just confirm the move; he provided a deep, emotional, and surprisingly simple explanation for choosing Athens as his new family sanctuary. When pressed by journalists to explain the “why” behind such a massive life change, Djokovic offered a poignant summary that has since gone viral. In just 7 words, he encapsulated the essence of his decision: “I want my children to grow up happy.”
The Unbelievable Move: Why Athens over Belgrade or Marbella?
For over a decade, Novak Djokovic was synonymous with the glitz of Monte Carlo and the serene luxury of Marbella. However, as 2025 progressed, it became increasingly clear that the “Djoker” was looking for something more than just a training base. The move to Glyfada, a prestigious coastal suburb of the Athens Riviera, marks a significant shift in his personal and professional trajectory.
Many expected the champion to return to his roots in Serbia or perhaps stay in Spain, where he had invested heavily in real estate. Instead, his focus shifted toward the Hellenic Republic. This wasn’t just a change of scenery; it was a calculated decision to find an environment that offered a perfect balance of Mediterranean lifestyle, world-class education, and a deep cultural connection. The unbelievable reason wasn’t financial or political—it was purely paternal.
Analyzing the “7 Words” that Shook the Media
The phrase “I want my children to grow up happy” might seem like a standard parental sentiment, but coming from a man who has conquered every peak of professional tennis, it carries immense weight.
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Priority Shift: It signals that Djokovic is entering a new phase of his life where his children’s well-being—Stefan and Tara—takes precedence over the logistical convenience of tennis circuits.
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The Search for Peace: By choosing Greece, a country known for its emphasis on family and community, Djokovic is prioritizing a “beneficial environment” for their psychological and emotional health.
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A Universal Truth: The media was “speechless” because, despite his multimillion-dollar net worth and global fame, his core motivation is identical to that of any ordinary parent.
The Greek Golden Visa: A Strategic Choice for an Elite Athlete
One of the most talked-about technical aspects of this move is the Greek Golden Visa. Reports indicate that the Djokovic family secured residency through this high-profile investment program. By purchasing a luxury residence in the southern coastal suburbs—valued well above the minimum threshold—the family has gained the legal right to live and thrive in the European Union.
This move underscores a growing trend among High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) who see Greece as a premier destination not just for tax benefits, but for quality of life. The Greek lifestyle, characterized by incredible food, a warm climate, and a “brotherly” cultural bond with the Balkan region, makes it an ideal fit for the Serbian star. Novak Djokovic has often mentioned how the Greek people’s hospitality makes him feel at home, dating back to the support he received in 2009 during matches against Marcos Baghdatis.
A Multimillion-Dollar Investment in Greek Sports Infrastructure
Djokovic isn’t just moving to Greece to retire on the beach. He is bringing his unparalleled work ethic and business acumen to the Athens Riviera. The superstar has recently been linked to a massive €20 million investment in the Elliniko Tennis & Racket Club.
This state-of-the-art facility is set to become:
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Novak’s Personal Training Base: Providing world-class courts for his own preparation.
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A Hub for Rising Stars: Working alongside the Greek Tennis Federation to nurture local talent.
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A Multi-Sport Complex: Featuring padel, pickleball, and over 20 tennis courts, making it one of the premier sports destinations in Europe.
This investment proves that his 7 words extend to his professional life as well—he wants to create an environment where sport and family can coexist seamlessly, benefitting both his children and the local community.
Education as a Pillar: Enrolling in St. Lawrence College
A key component of the “growing up happy” philosophy was finding the right school. The Djokovic children have reportedly been enrolled in St. Lawrence College, a renowned British school in Athens. For a family that travels the world, a stable, high-quality international education is paramount.
The school’s location in the southern suburbs allows Stefan and Tara to stay close to their new home in Glyfada, ensuring they have a sense of community and normalcy. Djokovic emphasized that he and his wife, Jelena Djokovic, are trying to adapt and find the most favorable environment for their children’s psychological and physical development.
The Emotional Connection to the Hellenic Spirit
During the Hellenic Championship, an ATP 250 event held in Athens and managed by his brother Djordje Djokovic, Novak spoke warmly about his new home. He stated, “I feel really at home playing in Athens.” This sentiment goes beyond simple PR; it is rooted in a long history of shared values.
The cultural synergy between the Balkan nations and Greece is profound. Djokovic has frequently referred to Greeks and Serbians as “Orthodox brothers,” citing a shared history and temperament. This cultural comfort is a major part of the unbelievable reason he chose Athens over more traditionally “glitzy” tennis hubs.
Life on the Athens Riviera: Beyond the Tennis Court
In his daily life, residents of Glyfada and Vouliagmeni have already begun spotting the world number one in casual settings—sometimes even in flip-flops—walking his son to the Kavouri Tennis Club. This level of accessibility and “normalcy” is exactly what the 7 words promised.
The Athens Riviera offers:
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Proximity to the Sea: Vital for the family’s active lifestyle.
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World-Class Healthcare: Essential for a professional athlete’s longevity.
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Business Opportunities: Greece’s growing economy provides a fertile ground for the Novak Djokovic Foundation and his various business ventures.
A New Chapter for Greek Tennis
The arrival of Novak Djokovic is expected to spark a “tennis renaissance” in Greece. With local heroes like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari already making waves, having the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) residing and training in Athens provides an incredible boost to the sport’s local popularity.
His presence at the Ellinikon project is not just about a residence; it’s about building a legacy. By investing over €20 million in sports infrastructure, he is ensuring that the next generation of Greek athletes has the facilities they need to reach the world stage.
The Role of Jelena Djokovic in the Relocation
While Novak is the face of the move, Jelena Djokovic has been instrumental in the transition. As the director of the Novak Djokovic Foundation, her focus has always been on early childhood development. Her influence is clearly visible in the choice of a school that encourages creativity and the selection of a neighborhood that fosters a healthy, outdoor-centric upbringing for their children.
The move was not a snap decision. According to reports, the couple spent the last two years evaluating different European cities, eventually finding that Athens checked every box for their family-first mission.
Economic Impact: The “Djokovic Effect” on Greek Real Estate
Real estate experts have noted a surge in interest in the southern suburbs of Athens following the news of Djokovic’s residency. The “Djokovic Effect” is drawing other high-profile investors to the Glyfada and Ellinikon areas, further boosting the luxury property market.
For the Greek government, having a global icon choose the Golden Visa program is a major validation of their efforts to attract foreign investment. It sends a message that Greece is a stable, high-quality, and desirable place for the world’s elite to settle.
A Vision for the Future
As Novak Djokovic nears the twilight of his professional career, his move to Greece represents a strategic “retirement plan” that isn’t really about retiring. It’s about transitioning from a full-time athlete to a full-time father and businessman.
The 7 words—“I want my children to grow up happy”—are more than just a reason for moving; they are a mission statement for the next twenty years of his life. By choosing a country that values family, tradition, and a balanced lifestyle, he is setting a new standard for how modern icons manage their personal legacies.
Final Thoughts on a Historic Relocation
The astonishing nature of this news lies in its simplicity. In an era of complex tax shelters and political maneuvering, Novak Djokovic chose a home based on the oldest and most relatable reason in history: the happiness of his children. Greece has provided the perfect backdrop for this new chapter, offering a blend of ancient culture and modern luxury that suits the world’s greatest tennis player.
As the family settles into their new villa in the Athens Riviera, the global media continues to reflect on those 7 words. They serve as a powerful reminder that at the end of the day, no matter how many trophies one wins, the true “Grand Slam” is the joy and stability of one’s family.
