Novak Djokovic Triumphs as Tennis Returns to Greece
Novak Djokovic overcame a challenging start to defeat Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 7-6 (3), 6-1 at the Hellenic Championship on Tuesday, marking the return of top-tier tennis to Greece after more than 30 years.
Match Highlights
- Both players held serve under pressure in the tightly contested first set, which Djokovic won in a tiebreak.
- The momentum shifted in the second set with Djokovic breaking Tabilo twice, wrapping up the match in just over 90 minutes.
- The victory secured Djokovic a place in the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 event.
Emotional Homecoming in Athens
The event was held at the Telekom Center in Athens, where the crowd showed strong support for the 38-year-old Serbian, who relocated to the city with his family earlier this year.
“It feels really like home playing in Athens. More than recognition for my tennis achievements, I felt that people here approached me in a friendly and humane way, and that touched my heart,” Djokovic said during an on-court interview.
Having previously lost his last two matches against the 28-year-old Tabilo, Djokovic admitted:
“I’m thrilled to get through tonight. I played against Tabilo and I’ve never won against him, so I was more under tension before the match than I would be before some others.”
Personal Tribute Sparks Tears
Djokovic was moved to tears while watching a tribute video honoring Croatian tennis legend Nikola Pilic, who passed away earlier this year. Djokovic trained at Pilic’s academy as a teenager, making the tribute deeply personal.
Novak Djokovic’s victory not only marks a sports milestone but also a heartfelt homecoming and tribute on Greek soil.