Djokovic Faces Fines Amid Renovation Saga in Marbella
Tennis sensation Novak Djokovic and his wife Jelena have recently found themselves in a bit of legal trouble, facing hefty fines totalling €10,000 (£8,334) from the Marbella Council. The couple’s luxurious mansion, located in the opulent Sierra Blanca area, has become the focal point of a local investigation due to alleged unauthorized renovations.
Djokovic is under scrutiny for initiating construction work on his extravagant €10 million (£8.3 million) property without obtaining the necessary permits. Authorities acted swiftly upon discovering that renovations were violating Andalusian Land Law, particularly in terms of height restrictions, the number of floors, and minimum boundary distances. As a consequence, some sections of the mansion, including the basement garage and a spacious porch, are expected to be demolished.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion initially received a €5,000 fine for failing to comply with planning regulations within a stipulated two-month deadline. However, the situation escalated, leading to an additional €5,000 penalty as reported by a source on February 13. Authorities have warned Djokovic that continued non-compliance could result in further action, potentially leading to twelve additional fines.
With his family spending several weeks each year in the lavish property, purchased back in 2020, it’s crucial for Djokovic to address these legal issues promptly. This opulent villa features nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, an indoor swimming pool, and multiple recreation rooms including a cinema, billiards area, and a fully equipped gym. The interior design combines elements of Mediterranean and Moroccan aesthetics, highlighting the sheer luxury of the residence.
As the seasoned player prepares for his upcoming quarter-final showdown against Sebastian Korda at the Miami Open, Djokovic is keen to steer his focus away from any off-court distractions. At 37 years of age, he is determined to pursue his seventh Miami title and achieve the remarkable milestone of his 100th tour-level trophy.
This season has had its share of challenges for Djokovic, recently marked by an unusual defeat at Indian Wells. After experiencing a third consecutive loss—an uncommon occurrence since 2008—the Serbian acknowledged he’s been “struggling to play at the desired level” and described his recent performances as “mostly a struggle.”