Novak Djokovic and Vucic’s Blunt Exchange Revealed

Novak Djokovic and Aleksandar Vucic do not appear to have the warmest relationship, and now Novak is once again at the center of political headlines in Serbia. The Serbian president recently shared details of a direct and honest conversation he had with Novak Djokovic after the tennis star moved his family abroad.

Vucic admitted he spoke bluntly to Novak following the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s decision to leave Serbia. The comments have drawn fresh attention to the tension between Novak Djokovic and the country’s leadership.

Last year, Novak relocated from Belgrade to Athens with his wife Jelena and their two children, Stefan and Tara. The family is now settling into life in Greece after uprooting from their longtime home.

Some reports have suggested that Novak Djokovic’s departure came amid what has been described as a “smear” campaign by pro-government national media. While Novak Djokovic has not directly blamed officials, the timing of the move raised questions inside Serbia.

Earlier this year, Novak Djokovic publicly supported youth-led anti-government protests. In March 2025, Djokovic posted a message on X encouraging young people to make their voices heard.

Novak Djokovic shared that he strongly trusts in the strength of young people and their hope for a brighter future, adding that he feels their opinions deserve to be listened to and respected.

Djokovic also said that Serbia has “enormous potential” and called educated youth the country’s greatest strength. He stressed the need for understanding and mutual respect.

Speaking on TV Pink, in comments reported by Sport Klub, Vucic said he did not hold back when speaking to Novak Djokovic. The Serbian president made it clear he was firm in his views.

“I told him what I thought,” Vucic said. He added that he might even express himself “in a harsher way” today, though he insisted his frustration was aimed more at the broader situation than at Djokovic personally.

Vucic also stated that he would not shift his political beliefs because of pressure from any public figure. “I will not change my beliefs under the influence of any sports, acting or entertainment star,” he said.

Despite the disagreement, Vucic praised Djokovic’s performance at the 2025 Australian Open, where the Serbian star reached the final. He specifically highlighted Djokovic’s victory over Jannik Sinner as an incredible achievement.

“He showed something incredible,” Vucic said, calling Djokovic “the greatest of this time in a difficult and demanding sport.”

The president went on to say that Djokovic carries Serbia’s image with honor and plays a big role in raising the country’s profile around the world. Vucic added that no matter how the final ends, he continues to stand behind him.

Novak Djokovic has also spoken positively about his new life in Greece. In an October interview with CNN Greece, Djokovic said the family is still adjusting but enjoying the experience.

Novak said his family is still adjusting to their new surroundings and taking things step by step. He noted that they have been there for less than two months, but so far the experience has been encouraging and enjoyable.

For now, Novak remains focused on both his tennis career and his family’s new chapter in Athens, even as his complicated relationship with Serbia’s leadership continues to make headlines.

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