Tennis icon Novak Djokovic and his wife, Jelena, have reportedly found themselves in legal trouble with Marbella’s local authorities. The couple has been fined for making unauthorized renovations to their luxurious Spanish mansion, a property that has been frequently showcased on Djokovic’s social media.
Located in the prestigious Sierra Blanca area, the lavish estate features nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, an indoor swimming pool, multiple lounges, a private cinema, and an expansive games room. Additional amenities include a spa with a sauna and Turkish bath, as well as a fully equipped gym. Djokovic is said to have spent much of the COVID-19 pandemic at the estate with his wife and their two children, Stefan and Tara.
Previously residing in Monte Carlo for 15 years, the 24-time Grand Slam champion reportedly relocated his family to Marbella in December 2020, making the mansion their primary residence. Djokovic has given fans glimpses of the luxurious home through social media posts, including its grand entrance, stylish decor, and a private tennis court framed by palm trees.
However, controversy arose when authorities discovered that Djokovic had undertaken construction work on the £8.3 million property without the required permits. The Marbella Council found that the renovations violated Andalusian land laws concerning the height, number of floors, and boundary limits of the property. As a result, he has reportedly been ordered to demolish certain modifications, including a basement parking area and a porch.
Initially, Djokovic was fined €5,000 (£4,167) for failing to comply with planning regulations within the designated two-month deadline. When he failed to rectify the issues, authorities imposed an additional €5,000 fine, with the potential for further penalties if the required changes are not made. Reports suggest that he could face up to 12 consecutive fines should he continue to delay compliance.
Despite the legal issues surrounding his Marbella mansion, Djokovic remains focused on his tennis career. He recently advanced to the semi-finals of the Miami Open after a dominant performance against Sebastian Korda, moving closer to securing a record-breaking seventh title at the tournament.