Serbia Open Relocation to Athens
In a surprising turn of events, the Serbia Open, a significant ATP event and the only tournament hosted in Serbia, has been relocated to Athens for 2025. This decision has ignited speculation about the influence of Novak Djokovic’s outspoken political beliefs on this change. Scheduled for November 2nd to 8th, this event was seen as crucial for players aiming to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals, occurring just one week prior to that tournament.
Importance of the Serbia Open
The Serbia Open holds special importance as it is run by Djokovic’s family and witnessed Denis Shapovalov take the title in 2024. However, after Djokovic chose to forego participation in the previous year’s edition to recharge ahead of the 2025 Australian Open—where he reached the semifinals before withdrawing due to injury—beloved Serbian fans are questioning the implications of his choices on local sports.
Political Climate and Djokovic’s Stance
Despite Djokovic’s strong public presence and support from fans for his candidness, the atmosphere surrounding the country has shifted recently. Protests against the Serbian government, led mainly by the youth, emerged in late 2024 against President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration, which has faced accusations of oppressive tactics to quell dissent.
In January, Djokovic voiced his support for these protests, condemning violence against demonstrators and praising their courage to speak out against the government.
This shift from a previously supportive relationship with Vucic—where Djokovic expressed gratitude for the president’s assistance during his deportation ordeal in Australia—indicates a growing rift between the tennis superstar and Serbian leadership. In fact, one government minister publicly lambasted Djokovic for his tax arrangements in Monaco and perceived alignment with movements advocating for Kosovo’s independence.
Impact of Relocation on Serbian Politics
Rumors swirling around the Serbian media suggest that Djokovic’s friction with the government has led to the Serbia Open’s relocation, igniting concerns that this decision could amplify public dissatisfaction with Vucic’s administration. The ATP-endorsed Hellenic Championship, to be hosted in Athens, promises to build on its legacy of prior events held in Belgrade and aims to showcase top-tier tennis in Greece this November, as confirmed by the organizing team.
Conclusion
The ongoing developments signal a possible reconfiguration in the intersection of sports and politics, with Djokovic at the forefront of a narrative that not only affects his own career but the future of tennis in his home country.
