Novak Djokovic Visits Hilandar Monastery on Mt. Athos

MT. ATHOS — Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic visited Hilandar Monastery on Mt. Athos with his father, Srđan, and his uncle, Goran, following the conclusion of his 2026 tennis season. The monastery announced the visit on November 12, sharing photographs of Djokovic and his family members at the Serbian Orthodox monastery.

Djokovic made the trip after his defeat at the Paris Masters, which marked the end of his season. He had remained in Greece after attending the November 6 EuroLeague basketball game between Red Star Belgrade and Olympiacos in Athens before traveling north to Mt. Athos.

During his stay, Djokovic attended the monastery’s celebration of its ktitor’s slava — the feast honoring its founder and benefactor — on the feast of St. King Milutin. The solemn service was held in the monastery’s cathedral. One photograph showing Djokovic with his father and uncle was taken by Monk Milutin Hilandarac, who also shared images of the visit.

Djokovic’s visit brought him to one of the most important spiritual and cultural centers of the Serbian Orthodox people. Hilandar Monastery was restored in 1198 by Stefan Nemanja, who became the monk Simeon, and his son, St. Sava. King Milutin later made a major contribution to the monastery, including the construction of its present main church in the early 14th century.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Daniel was welcomed at Mt. Athos on his first visit as Bulgarian Patriarch.