Tennis legend Novak Djokovic may not know when he will finally hang up his racket but he has already laid out retirement plans. The 24-time Grand Slam winner has entered the twilight years of his career and has plenty of properties to split his time between, but is expected to base his family life around Belgrade.

Djokovic experienced the jet-setting tennis lifestyle from an early age and moved to Monte Carlo in 2008, shortly after winning his first major title at the Australian Open, setting up a home with his future wife Jelena. A mountain of success followed for Djokovic, who holds the record for the most men’s Grand Slam singles titles, with the new Olympic champion earning a reported £28.8million ($38.4m) in 2023.

His fortune has led the Serbian ace to buy properties in New York City, Marbella and Miami. Despite shelling out on other luxury apartments and penthouses, the 37-year-old is set to return to his homeland permanently once his career is over, according to his father Srdjan.

“When Novak finishes his tennis career, he will live in his city Belgrade, his country Serbia,” Djokovic Snr said when asked about his son’s plans for the future. “I think there is no greater satisfaction, pride and success than your child spreading the glory of his people and his country all over the world.”

Djokovic bought his three-bedroom penthouse in New Belgrade, overlooking Lake Pavlova, for £505k ($675k) in 2018. It is far from the most expensive place in Djokovic’s portfolio, though, with the tennis icon having splashed out a combined £7.5million ($10m) in 2017 on two glamorous apartment units in New York’s SoHo neighbourhood – but it appears that his family will only spend part of their time stateside.

While he could choose to buy a more expensive Belgrade property when he does call time on his career, it seems clear that Djokovic will be using the city as his primary base. The family previously relocated from Monte Carlo to Spain in 2020 after buying a £7.5million ($10m) mansion in Marbella.

The Djokovic family have remained committed to building up Belgrade as a tourist destination, opening the Novak Tennis Center in 2009, which he recently returned to the city. His parents opened the Novak 1 cafe and restaurant and the former world No.1 also owns Square Nine, a five-star hotel in the Serbian capital.

Djokovic’s pride in representing Serbia was evident at the Paris Olympics, where he finally clinched an elusive gold medal. He was overwhelmed with emotion after securing the victory and has been open about wanting to compete on the country’s behalf for as long as possible.

“Words are superfluous, how much it means to me to play for Serbia. Actions speak,” Djokovic said. “I think my dedication says it all.I don’t know yet how long I will play tennis, but as long as I play, playing for Serbia will be my priority. I will do my best to be available”