Novak Djokovic is back in action at this week’s Hellenic Championship, an ATP 250 event in his new home of Athens. The 24-time Major winner relocated his family from their home of Belgrade, Serbia, to Greece just a few weeks ago – and he’s already loving it.
Djokovic’s two children, Stefan and Tara, have reportedly already started school in Athens, while the world No. 5 has joined a local tennis club. Ahead of his opening match at the Hellenic Championship, the 38-year-old explained why they chose Athens as their new home.
“There’s a lot of historical, religious, cultural, social ties between Greece and Serbia that is a big part of the reason why I’m here,” the Olympic champion told CNN Greece.
“It’s also because, of course, the weather, the food is incredible. You are on one of the nicest coastlines in Europe, in the world. I just love the lifestyle. I really feel that the Greek and Serbian people are like brothers, and so this is the biggest reason.”
Djokovic and his family have yet to fully commit to living in Greece, but so far, they’re loving it.
He added: “We are, as a family, trying to see how the life goes here, the experience. It’s only been less than two months. So we will see how it goes, but so far, as I said, it’s been a very positive experience.
“I want to thank all the Greek people that I met the last couple of months that I’ve been here in Athens with my family, that welcomed me and my family members with open arms.
“They’ve been super friendly, kind, generous, wanting to help, so it does feel, very much, like at home for me and my family members. So it’s been a very positive experience.
“I love being here, and I’m obviously very excited to go out on the tennis court, hopefully in front of many people in the stadium, and hopefully perform well.”