President Vucic breaks silence on Djokovic leaving Serbia amid political storm: 'I told him what I thought'

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has finally broken his silence on Novak Djokovic after the country’s biggest sporting icon moved his family to Greece. Djokovic’s wife, Jelena Djokovic, and his two children, Stefan and Tara, now live in Athens after leaving Belgrade last year.

While Djokovic has never really revealed the reason for leaving his country, Serbia, it has been reported that he decided to do so due to pro-Vucic national media running a 'smear' campaign against the 24-time Grand Slam winner after he extended support to anti-government agitations.

Djokovic vs Vucic

The anti-Vucic protest began in 2024 after an accident at a railway station led to the death of 16 people. Djokovic has at different stages supported the youth of the country, leading the protests.

“As someone who deeply believes in the power of young people and their desire for a better future, I consider it important that their voice is heard. Serbia has enormous potential, and educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak.” Djokovic wrote on X in March 2025.

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Now, while recently speaking to TV Pink, as quoted by Sport Klub, Vucic spoke about Djokovic for the first time since his move to Athens.

Vucic breaks silence on Djokovic leaving Serbia

Vucic praised Djokovic’s performance in the Australian Open 2026 as the 38-year-old reached the final, losing to Carlos Alcaraz.

“I wholeheartedly support Djokovic and all the people who wear the Serbian tricolour, and [I am] looking forward to his success,” Vucic said.

“[He showed] something incredible in those years [in his win against Jannik Sinner]. [He is] the greatest of this time in a difficult and demanding sport.

“It is much more than a congratulatory message, he represents his country with dignity and makes it popular. Regardless of the result of the final, I support him.”

President Vucic revealed that he had a word with Djokovic, but announced that he will “not change” his beliefs under anyone’s influence.

“I told him what I thought, now I would say it in a harsher way, not towards him, but towards the situation we were in,” Vucic added.

“I will not change my beliefs under the influence of any sports, acting or entertainment star.”

While Djokovic has not reacted to Vucic’s recent comments, the politician’s tough stance is only likely to isolate him further in Serbia. And his return to Belgrade in the near future looks even more unlikely.