Novak Djokovic has said he is “very happy” after a student-led protest movement defeated Aleksandar Vucic and his right-wing party in snap parliamentary elections in Serbia. Vucic, the country’s long-time leader, conceded defeat on Sunday and said it was “clear we have lost these elections”.
The student movement spent two years protesting against his government and was formed following a disaster at Novi Sad railway station which killed 16 people. Djokovic previously openly voiced his support for the students, which is believed to be part of the reason he left Serbia last year, moving himself and his family to Athens, Greece.
Djokovic's Reaction to the Election Result
After Vucic conceded defeat, the 24-time Grand Slam champion shared his hopes of a bright future in Serbia. “I’m very happy about it,” Djokovic said ahead of this week’s Swiss Indoors Basel, where he is competing.
“My deepest respect to the students and young people that have fought, they have shown dignity and incredible resilience the last two years with humongous pressure. I have a lot of admiration for what they have done and how they have conducted themselves.
“They’ve managed to create this sense of pride in all the people, not just in Serbia but abroad as well. The victory is secured and we all now have hopes that our country will be prosperous and that we’ll be enjoying the future that is coming.”
Support for the Student Movement
Djokovic had offered his support for the student-led movement after protests broke out following the collapse of a canopy in front of Novi Sad station in 2024. At the time, the former world No. 1 spoke out on social media.
“As someone who deeply believes in the power of youth and their desire for a better future, I believe it's important that their voices are heard. Serbia has enormous potential, and its educated youth is its greatest strength. What we all need is understanding and respect. With you, Novak,” he tweeted.
The Serbian superstar also dedicated one of his match wins at the 2025 Australian Open to a student who was hit by a car during a protest. While Djokovic never publicly spoke out against former president Vucic or his government, he was said to be a target for the Serbian government.
Move to Greece
Last summer, it emerged that he was reportedly hoping to move his family to Greece using a Golden Visa programme, which grants residence to non-EU citizens who make investments in the country. They relocated shortly after the US Open, with Tennis24 reporting that Djokovic’s two children, Stefan and Tara, enrolled in St. Lawrence College, a private and independent British school.
Djokovic and Stefan were seen watching a Greece vs Brazil Davis Cup tie a few weeks later. The 39-year-old won an ATP 250 title in Athens at the end of last season and said: “I've said this before but I'm going to repeat it again - playing here and just being here feels like home. You guys make it like that for me.”
