Novak Djokovic, the renowned tennis icon, has faced a mixed reception in Greece, where he relocated with his family over the summer. Despite being a proud Serb, Djokovic decided to establish a new home base in Athens, a move that drew attention from fans and critics alike.
Apart from his exceptional tennis skills, Djokovic is known for his avid interest in basketball, particularly in supporting Serbian teams like Red Star and Partizan. However, his presence at a recent Euroleague match between Panathinaikos and Maccabi in Greece stirred controversy among local supporters.
Panathinaikos, one of the Greek teams competing for a playoff spot, found itself in a tense rivalry with Djokovic’s favorite Red Star, adding fuel to the atmosphere when he and his son, Stefan, were displayed on the arena’s big screen.
The crowd’s response was marked by boos directed at Djokovic, despite neither of his supported teams being on the court. Although the exact number of fans participating in the booing remains unknown, the incident was captured by TV cameras, showcasing the divided sentiments towards the Serbian athlete.
Unfazed by the jeering, Djokovic remained focused on his phone during the broadcast, while Stefan acknowledged the crowd’s reaction by flashing a peace sign in return. In a subsequent basketball game at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, Djokovic received a warmer reception as the crowd cheered his presence.
Following the Panathinaikos match, where they defeated Maccabi 99-85, Djokovic is unlikely to attend the upcoming game between Partizan and Olympiacos due to his commitments at the ATP Finals in Turin. Despite speculations about his retirement and concerns over his form and injuries, Djokovic is set to compete against top players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz at the tournament.
As Djokovic gears up for the ATP Finals, it is anticipated that the crowd in Turin will offer him a much more welcoming reception. Separately, Sky has announced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, providing access to over 1,400 live matches across various leagues, including an increase in live Premier League games to at least 215 this season.