Tennis icon Novak Djokovic faced a mixed reception during a recent basketball game in Greece, where he has recently relocated his family. Despite being a proud Serb, Djokovic decided to establish a new home base in Athens, a surprising move for the 38-year-old superstar.
Known not only for his exceptional tennis skills but also for his avid interest in basketball, Djokovic has often been seen supporting Serbian teams like Red Star and Partizan. However, his presence at a Euroleague match between Panathinaikos and Maccabi did not go unnoticed by local fans. The crowd’s reaction was particularly noticeable as Djokovic’s image appeared on the big screen, triggering boos despite neither of his supported teams being on the court.
Although the extent of fan participation in the jeering cannot be precisely determined among the approximately 18,500 attendees, the reaction was loud enough to be caught on TV cameras. Djokovic, seemingly unperturbed by the negative response, remained focused on his phone during the broadcast, while his son Stefan acknowledged the crowd with a peace sign.
Following the Panathinaikos game, Djokovic attended another basketball match, this time receiving a warmer reception from the crowd at the Peace and Friendship Stadium as Olympiacos faced off against Monaco. Despite the contrasting responses, Djokovic’s focus will soon shift to the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin, where he will compete against top players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz.
As Djokovic prepares for the prestigious tournament, his presence in the basketball arena may have sparked mixed reactions, but his attention remains firmly on his tennis career and the upcoming ATP Finals.