Novak Djokovic made a winning debut in Greece on Tuesday, November 4, defeating Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 7-6(3), 6-1 at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship in Athens.
The top seed was tested early by his familiar rival before finding his rhythm to delight the local crowd and advance to his 225th tour-level quarter-final, marking appearances in 25 different countries.
“It feels really at home, playing in Athens,” said Djokovic, who recently relocated to the Greek capital.
“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… Athens is in my heart, no question about it.”
225 and counting 🎻
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 4, 2025
The 24-time major champ powers past Tabilo 7-6(3) 6-1 to secure his 225th tour-level quarter-final! 👏#HellenicChampionship | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/L13T676PC3
Having lost to Tabilo on clay in Rome last year and Monte-Carlo earlier this season, Djokovic earned revenge in their first hard-court meeting, denying the Chilean a chance to join Roger Federer as the only men to open their series with three straight wins over him.
“Playing against Tabilo, who I had never won against… I really tried to draw the energy from the crowd,” Djokovic said, easing concerns about his late-season fitness and extending his 28-0 record this year after winning the first set.
Djokovic will face Portugal’s Nuno Borges or American qualifier Eliot Spizzirri in the quarter-finals.
Source: ATP Tour.
