Novak Djokovic, Serbia’s 24-time Grand Slam champion, has found himself increasingly at odds with the country’s ruling establishment after openly backing a student-led protest movement that began in December last year.
The demonstrations, directed against President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration, have garnered widespread attention, and Djokovic’s vocal support has drawn sharp criticism from pro-government circles. Several media outlets close to Vucic have branded the 38-year-old tennis icon “anti-national”, accusing him of failing to contribute to Serbia despite his global representation of the nation.
Djokovic’s alignment with the protesters dates back to the early stages of the movement, when he posted on social media: “I believe in the power of the youth. Their voices matter for a better future. They are the greatest strength of our country and should be respected.” The message resonated strongly with demonstrators but provoked anger from government loyalists.
In January, following his Australian Open triumph, Djokovic dedicated his victory to a student who had died during the protests, an act widely seen as a political statement. He later attended a Belgrade basketball derby wearing a T-shirt reading “Students and Champions,” further underscoring his solidarity with the movement.
Since then, the backlash has intensified. Pro-government media have launched sustained attacks on Djokovic, questioning his loyalty and accusing him of exploiting Serbia’s name for personal gain. According to multiple Serbian news outlets, the tennis star is now under informal surveillance by the authorities and no longer feels safe in his homeland.
Opposition-aligned reports claim Djokovic is seriously considering relocating with his family to Athens, Greece, to ensure their safety. Speculation has grown following several recent meetings between Djokovic and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, described publicly as courtesy visits but thought by some local media to be linked to a potential move.