Djokovic won’t move into £7.5m mansions in retirement as father reveals plans | Tennis | sport

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic may not know when he will hang up his racket for good, but he has already outlined retirement plans. The 24-time Grand Slam winner is in the final years of his career and has plenty of real estate to split his time between. However, his family life is expected to take place around Belgrade.

Djokovic experienced the jet-set tennis lifestyle from a young age and in 2008, shortly after winning his first major title at the Australian Open, he moved to Monte Carlo, where he made a home with his future wife Jelena. A mountain of success followed for Djokovic, who holds the record for most Grand Slam men’s singles titles: the new Olympic champion reportedly earned £28.8 million ($38.4 million) in 2023.

His fortune has led the Serbian star to purchase properties in New York City, Marbella and Miami. Although he is spending money on other luxury apartments and penthouses, the 37-year-old will return home for good after his career ends, according to his father Srdjan.

“When Novak ends his tennis career, he will live in his city Belgrade, his country Serbia,” said Djokovic Snr when asked about his son’s future plans. “I think there is no greater satisfaction, no greater pride and no greater success than when your child spreads the glory of his people and his country throughout the world.”

Djokovic bought his three-bedroom penthouse in New Belgrade overlooking Lake Pavlova in 2018 for £505,000 ($675,000). However, it is far from the most expensive place in Djokovic’s portfolio, as the tennis icon spent a total of £7.5 million ($10 million) on two glamorous apartment units in New York’s SoHo in 2017 ) – but it looks like his family only spends part of their time in the USA.

While he could opt to purchase a more expensive property in Belgrade when he ends his career, it seems clear that Djokovic will use the city as his main base. The family moved to Spain from Monte Carlo back in 2020 after purchasing a £7.5 million ($10 million) villa in Marbella.

The Djokovic family remains committed to developing Belgrade as a tourist destination, opening the Novak Tennis Center in 2009, which he recently brought back 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 evident at the Paris Olympics, where he ultimately won an elusive gold medal. He was overcome with emotion after achieving victory and openly expressed his desire to compete on behalf of the country for as long as possible.

“Words are unnecessary for how much it means to me to play for Serbia. Actions speak,” said Djokovic. “I think my commitment says it all. I don’t know how long I will play tennis yet, but as long as I play, playing for Serbia will be my priority. I will do my best to be available.”