ATHENS/STARNBERG, November 5, 2025
Novak Djokovic started his title bid at the inaugural Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship with a 7-6(3), 6-1 second-round victory over Alejandro Tabilo of Chile on Tuesday evening .
The World No. 5 from Serbia, who recently relocated to Athens, sent down 13 aces and won 92 per cent of his first-service points to prevail after one hour and 39 minutes.
A win on debut in Athens @DjokerNole defeats Alejandro Tabilo 7-6 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the #HellenicChampionship pic.twitter.com/KvqldZn2Hu
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 4, 2025
“It feels really at home, playing in Athens,” said Djokovic, who recorded his first win over Tabilo in the pair’s third meeting. “A few months ago when I came here with my family, I was very excited because I have always loved Greece. Serbians love Greece, for sure. Historically, culturally, and religiously, we have a lot of things connecting us. Athens is in my heart, no question about it.”
Djokovic also revealed that his family’s recent move to Greece was an unplanned decision, explaining that “a lot has changed” in his life, both personally and professionally, over the past two years.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion emphasized that he and his wife, Jelena, made the move with their children, Stefan and Tara, in mind, wanting them to grow up in “the most beneficial environment possible.” Djokovic added that the family already feels “very welcome” in their new home.
The relocation follows a period of controversy in Serbia, where the tennis star faced a smear campaign after voicing public support for student-led protests against the national government.
Up next for Djokovic in Athens will be No. 6 seed Nuno Borges of Portugal, who rallied past US-American qualifier Elliot Spizzirri 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. The encounter lasted two hours and five minutes.
