Djokovic stops Tabilo streak on Greece debut

Athens

Djokovic stops Tabilo streak on Greece debut

Former World No. 1 has reached 225 QFs in 25 totally different international locations

November 04, 2025

Novak Djokovic was examined by a well-known foe in his first skilled look in Greece on Tuesday on the Vanda Prescription drugs Hellenic Championship in Athens.

The highest seed, nonetheless, discovered his vary to thrill the group and safe a 7-6(3), 6-1 victory over Alejandro Tabilo — denying the Chilean an opportunity to affix Roger Federer as the one males to start their Lexus ATP Head2Head collection in opposition to Djokovic with three straight wins.

225 and counting 🎻

The 24-time main champ powers previous Tabilo 7-6(3) 6-1 to safe his 225th tour-level quarter-final! 👏#HellenicChampionship | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/L13T676PC3

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 4, 2025

“It feels actually at dwelling, enjoying in Athens,” mentioned Djokovic, who not too long ago relocated to Athens. “Just a few months in the past after I got here right here with my household, I used to be very excited as a result of I’ve all the time cherished Greece. Serbians love Greece, for positive. Traditionally, culturally, and religiously, now we have loads of issues connecting us.

“Athens is in my coronary heart, no query about it.”

In entrance of a full of life ambiance on the indoor hard-court ATP 250 occasion, Djokovic impressed along with his persistence and precision within the opening-set tie-break earlier than settling into rhythm within the second. The 38-year-old Serbian is into his 225th tour-level quarter-final in 25 totally different international locations.

Having fallen to Tabilo on clay in Rome final 12 months and Monte-Carlo earlier this season, Djokovic was intent on revenge of their first hard-court assembly, and he delivered. The previous No. 1 participant within the PIF ATP Rankings prolonged his flawless 28-0 file this 12 months after successful the primary set, whereas additionally easing considerations about his late-season health.

“Enjoying in opposition to Tabilo, who I had by no means gained in opposition to. We performed two occasions on clay courtroom, this 12 months and final 12 months and he gained each of those matches. I used to be extra below rigidity earlier than the match than another matches and I actually tried to attract the power from the group,” Djokovic mentioned.

Djokovic awaits Portugal’s Nuno Borges or American qualifier Eliot Spizzirri within the quarter-finals in Athens.

In different Tuesday motion within the Greek capital, Sebastian Korda clawed his strategy to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 comeback win over Damir Dzumhur to achieve his sixth hard-court quarter-final of the season. With that feat, he tied Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton for essentially the most by an American in 2025.

Earlier, Tomas Martin Etcheverry rallied previous American qualifier Mackenzie McDonald 6-7(5), 7-6(3), 6-3 in two hours and 50 minutes. The Argentine saved the one break level he confronted within the deciding set and hit 19 aces, in keeping with Infosys ATP Stats.