Novak Djokovic marked a milestone victory in Athens on Sunday, November 9, winning the first-ever Hellenic Championship 250 and becoming the first tennis player in history to claim titles in 20 different countries.
In a thrilling three-hour final at the Telekom Centre, Djokovic battled back to defeat Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 4–6, 6–4, 7–5, securing his 101st career title and celebrating with trademark emotion, tearing his shirt in front of an ecstatic crowd.
“It’s like my home,” Djokovic wrote later on social media, dedicating the win to his Greek supporters.
He wrote further, “I dedicate the victory to the amazing people of Greece. You support me, you support tennis and you make me feel like this is my home. A victory that I feel very special as my family was here. Gratitude also to all those who made this beautiful new tournament so special. Thank you for everything.”
I dedicate this win to the wonderful people of Greece. You support me, you support tennis, you’ve made me feel at home 🙏🏼. Huge gratitude also to everyone who made this beautiful new tournament so special. Σας ευχαριστώ, για όλα
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 8, 2025
To Lorenzo, what an epic battle. Congratulations… pic.twitter.com/hNBWaKv6X9
He also congratulated Musetti for a “fantastic performance and tournament,” calling his future “bright.”
The event marked Greece’s first ATP tournament in 31 years, drawing packed crowds and a host of notable attendees.
Among them were Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who also attended Djokovic’s semifinal, Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis, and Olympiakos BC president Panagiotis Angelopoulos.
Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas was also present, sidelined by injury but eager to support the historic event.
“This week Greece hosted its first ATP tournament since 1994 – the first since I was born,” Tsitsipas said.
“Even though I could not participate, I enjoyed from the stands the triumph of Novak Djokovic.”
With the roaring success of the inaugural Athens tournament, Greece’s return to the global tennis stage appears firmly underway.
