Novak Djokovic, one of tennis’s most decorated champions, has once again landed in hot water with Marbella’s local authorities over unauthorized modifications to his lavish villa in Spain’s sun-soaked Costa del Sol. This marks the second dispute in recent months between the Serbian star and the city council regarding ongoing renovations at the property.
Nestled in the upscale Sierra Blanca neighborhood, the Djokovic family residence is a sprawling estate reportedly valued at around £8.5 million. With its luxurious setup—nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, an indoor pool, cinema, fitness center, spa complete with sauna and Turkish bath, and a games room—it’s no surprise that Djokovic, alongside his wife Jelena and their two children, Stefan and Tara, often opt for the tranquil charm of Marbella over the glitz of Monte Carlo or New York.
However, the idyllic setting has not shielded the Djokovic household from scrutiny. According to local reports, major refurbishments began back in 2022, yet the work allegedly pushed ahead without securing the necessary legal permits. This oversight has now drawn the ire of Marbella’s town planning department.
“The City Council of Marbella has been pursuing a process to restore planning legality against the Serbian and his wife since February 2024,” stated an official report.
“The reason is that they have carried out the renovations that they launched at the end of 2022 of their mansion in the urbanization Sierra Blanca without a license. The result so far are two coercive fines, each of them of €5,000 (about £4,181), since the tennis player still does not comply with what he is asked: to submit documentation and demolish part of the works.”
Among the disputed renovations were structural changes, including the elimination of the basement garage to add an extra floor, the construction of a porch, and installation of a new bathroom and shower. These adjustments reportedly breach city guidelines concerning building height restrictions and minimum distance from neighboring property lines.
The first official penalty was handed out on August 6, 2024, following an inspection that revealed non-compliance. A subsequent review in October showed that Djokovic still had not provided the required documentation nor taken corrective action. As a result, a second €5,000 fine was issued on February 13, 2025. If the situation remains unresolved, the authorities are empowered to impose up to a dozen additional penalties.
Despite the legal back-and-forth, the financial implications are unlikely to rattle the Djokovic empire. With a staggering $186 million in career prize money and a net worth comfortably exceeding $200 million, such fines are relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of his financial portfolio.
Beyond Marbella, the Djokovic family maintains an impressive real estate footprint, with properties in Belgrade, Monte Carlo, Miami, and New York City. Still, the Spanish coast has become their preferred retreat in recent years—thanks in part to its relaxed pace, world-class amenities, and sun-kissed appeal.
To put things into perspective, one luxury home in the area was listed at £8.5 million in 2023—underscoring the exclusivity of the neighborhood Djokovic now calls home. While the property drama may have ruffled a few feathers locally, it hasn’t swayed the family’s affection for Marbella’s lifestyle, where tennis royalty continues to enjoy a slice of Mediterranean paradise—albeit under a bit more scrutiny from city hall.