Inside the luxe Adelaide lodge Novak Djokovic called home during Adelaide International
Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic crammed a lot into his Adelaide stay, favouring high-end food and accommodation. See inside the opulent $1900-a-night lodge Djoker called home.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Novak Djokovic hiked mountains, swam at the city’s beaches, ate at fancy restaurants and stayed at one of Adelaide’s premier accommodation spots during his time here – and it proved to be a winning formula.
The 21-time grand slam champion made himself right at home at Sequoia at Mount Lofty Estate during his 12-day stay for the Adelaide International.
The luxurious lodge which is home to the award-winning restaurant Hardy’s Verandah have their Sequoia Suites starting from $1899 per night.
The completely private leafy 30-acre Mount Lofty Estate, gives guest the opportunity to stretch their legs on nearby moderate hiking trails and easy walking paths.
Djokovic won his 92nd ATP title at Memorial Drive on Sunday night and in the aftermath, the Serbian tennis star was quick to praise the hospitality he received at one of Adelaide’s premier designer hotels.
“We stayed at the really wonderful place in nature … Great people. Amazing hiking trails,” he said.
“I grew up on a mountain in Serbia, so I love mountains. It obviously made me feel serene, and allowed me to recharge the energy and batteries in order to perform.”
Djokovic’s movements while in the city were well documented, including multiple visits to Henley Beach and popular CBD restaurant Africola.
“Africola Restaurant … went there for two or three dinners actually, the staff was super nice, food is amazing. Just great hype,” he said.
The former world number one said he enjoyed himself “thoroughly on and off the court”.
“The whole journey here to Adelaide and experience was amazing … I haven’t had any negative experiences so far,” he said.
“Every person that I met, whether it’s in the city or in the woods. I actually met few kangaroos, as well, had a chat with them. Everyone was very kind, very supportive.”
He also said on more than one occasion during post-match interviews that playing in Adelaide felt like “playing at home”.
The experience was a far cry from his highly public deportation in early-2021.
On that occasion he touched down on Australian soil, at Melbourne airport, and was whisked away to the Park hotel – a hotel-turned-immigration detention centre – where he was held for five days.
But Djokovic said he held no grudge towards Australia.
“I’ve had far many more positive experiences in Australia to throw that away just because of what happened last year,” he said.
And if his sign-off at the presentation ceremony on Sunday night is anything to go by – he plans to be back.
“See you next year,” he told the sold-out crowd.
More Coverage
Originally published as Inside the luxe Adelaide lodge Novak Djokovic called home during Adelaide International
‘Game-changer’: Labor’s $5K re-election promise to SA graduates
Under a plan to wipe 20 per cent of all HECS debt nationally, South Australian university students and graduates are set to save. Click to see how.
New club’s pricing letting your kids play the world game for cheap
Junior soccer fees can cost as much as $1500 a season but a newly-formed club is charging a third of that. Find out where your kids can play soccer for cheap.