Tennis icon Novak Djokovic faced a mixed reception in Greece, his new residence, as he was met with boos during a basketball match. Earlier this year, Djokovic announced his family’s move to Greece, despite his Serbian roots, which surprised many. Known as one of the greatest tennis players ever, Djokovic also has a strong interest in basketball, frequently attending games involving Serbian teams like Red Star and Partizan.
During a recent Euroleague game between Panathinaikos and Maccabi, Djokovic’s presence stirred up local fans as Panathinaikos battled Maccabi, with both teams holding contrasting positions in the standings. The crowd’s reaction was evident when Djokovic and his son were shown on the arena’s big screen, inciting boos despite neither of his favorite teams playing.
Although the extent of the booing from the 18,500 spectators at the event is unclear, it was noticeable enough to be captured by television cameras. Djokovic seemed unfazed by the reaction, engrossed in his phone during the broadcast, while his son acknowledged the crowd by flashing a peace sign.
Following the Panathinaikos match, Djokovic attended another basketball game where he received a warmer reception from the audience, showing a contrast in reactions. As Djokovic prepares for the ATP Finals in Turin, where he will face top players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz, his presence is likely to be met with a more favorable response from the crowd.
