Novak Djokovic is looking towards the future and planning his retirement as he enters the latter stage of his illustrious tennis career.
Whilst he has remained tight-lipped on when he will hang up his racket for good, plans for a post-retirement life are emerging, with Belgrade touted as the base for family life.
Djokovic made Monaco his home back in 2008 just after securing his first Grand Slam victory at the Australian Open.
This was the start of a phenomenal career that saw him amass the greatest number of Grand Slam titles in men’s singles – 24 in total. The Olympic champion capped off a successful year in 2023, reportedly raking in £28.8 million in earnings.
With a fortune that allowed him to purchase plush properties across New York City, Marbella, and Miami, Djokovic isn’t short of luxurious homes. Despite these investments, the 37-year-old tennis sensation is expected to return to his roots in Serbia following his retirement, at least according to his father Srdjan Djokovic.
“When Novak finishes his tennis career, he will live in his city Belgrade, his country Serbia,” stated Djokovic Snr, expressing pride in his sons representation of Serbia on the global stage. “I think there is no greater satisfaction, pride and success than your child spreading the glory of his people and his country all over the world.”
Djokovic purchased his three-bedroom penthouse in New Belgrade, with views over Lake Pavlova, for £505k ($675k) back in 2018. However, this is far from the priciest property in Djokovic’s collection, reports the Express.
The tennis superstar spent a whopping £7.5million ($10m) on two swanky apartment units in New York’s SoHo district in 2017 – but it seems his family will only be spending part of their time in the US.
While he could opt to invest in a more costly Belgrade property when he eventually retires, it appears that Djokovic plans to make the city his main base. The family moved from Monte Carlo to Spain in 2020 after purchasing a £7.5million ($10m) mansion in Marbella.
The Djokovic family have shown their dedication to promoting Belgrade as a tourist hotspot, launching the Novak Tennis Center in 2009, which he recently returned to the city. His parents opened the Novak 1 cafe and restaurant, and the former world No.1 also owns Square Nine, a five-star hotel in the Serbian capital.
Djokovic’s pride in representing Serbia was clear at the Paris Olympics, where he finally secured a long-awaited gold medal. He was overcome with emotion following the win and has expressed his desire to represent his country for as long as he can.
“Words are superfluous, how much it means to me to play for Serbia. Actions speak,” Djokovic said. “I think my dedication says it all.I don’t know yet how long I will play tennis, but as long as I play, playing for Serbia will be my priority. I will do my best to be available.”