"I already feel a bit Greek," says Djokovic after his win against Tabilo

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 05/11/2025 à 07h43

2 min to read

Athènes Borges Djokovic Tabilo

Novak Djokovic has perfectly started his Athens tournament. Facing an opponent he had never beaten before in the person of Alejandro Tabilo, the Serb won in two sets and qualified for the quarter-finals in the Greek capital.

Djokovic managed his return to competition well. For his first official ATP tournament since the Shanghai Masters 1000 a month ago, the world No. 5 player dominated Alejandro Tabilo (7-6, 6-1), an opponent he had never managed to beat in two previous encounters.

Before facing Nuno Borges for a spot in the semi-finals on Thursday, Djokovic reflected on the welcome he has received in Greece, having settled in this country after fleeing Serbia.

"I already feel a bit Greek. It's as if this place was my home. Several months have passed since we moved here with my family, it has been an emotional journey. I have always loved this country. I would say that all Serbs love Greece.

We love everything related to their culture and traditions, all the ties we have between us. I will always be grateful for the hospitality all these people have shown. Greeks are known for being a people who welcome you with open arms.

Beyond sporting successes or any recognition I might have, I think the people here have welcomed me in a friendly, very human way, and that touched me right in the heart. Today, Athens holds a special place in my heart.

The goal is always to win the title, but the tournament has barely started for me. Today (Tuesday), I am happy with the match I played against a player like Tabilo who is always dangerous. In fact, I had already faced him twice and had never beaten him, even though both matches had taken place on clay.

Head-to-head matches always make you a bit nervous before the game, they force you to review certain moments from previous matches, but it helped me to repay the confidence of all these people who supported me," assured Djokovic for Punto de Break.