Novak Djokovic, the former World No. 1, made a triumphant return to Greece, securing his first Lexus ATP Head2Head victory over Alejandro Tabilo in Athens on Tuesday. The Serbian star, who recently relocated to Athens, showcased his prowess with a 7-6(3), 6-1 win, thwarting Tabilo's bid to join an elite club of tennis legends. Djokovic's performance in front of a lively crowd at the indoor hard-court ATP 250 event was a testament to his patience and precision, marking his 225th tour-level quarter-final in 25 different countries.
The match held particular significance for Djokovic, who sought revenge after losing to Tabilo on clay in Rome last year and Monte-Carlo earlier in the season. His flawless 28-0 record this year was further solidified with the victory, easing concerns about his late-season fitness. Djokovic's ability to draw energy from the crowd was evident, as he expressed his excitement about playing in Athens, a city close to his heart due to its historical, cultural, and religious connections to Serbia.
In other Tuesday action, Sebastian Korda achieved a remarkable comeback, clawing his way to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Damir Dzumhur. This triumph marked Korda's sixth hard-court quarter-final of the season, tying him with Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton for the most by an American in 2025. Additionally, Tomas Martin Etcheverry secured a hard-fought win over Mackenzie McDonald, saving a break point in the deciding set and serving an impressive 19 aces.
