Djokovic 'conquers' Athens: "Here I feel at home"
And he is right, as he has been settled in Greece for a few months. The Serbian made his debut this Tuesday with a victory and had some nice words for the audience present.
Although born in Belgrade 38 years ago, Novak Djokovic already feels like a Greek citizen. He has decided to settle there with his family and debuted tonight with a victory at the new ATP 250 in Athens. A victory that was accompanied by an emotional speech on the microphone.
First, he had to defeat Alejandro Tabilo, a man who had his number against Novak Djokovic, but this time he couldn't spoil the Serb's party. Although he showed some physical problems at times, the 24-time Grand Slam champion found a way to overcome the Chilean and make a successful debut in the ATP 250 in Athens. After finishing the job on the court, it was time to take the Tennis TV microphone and get a bit more emotional in addressing the audience that already sees him as one of their own.
"I already feel a bit Greek," expressed Nole, who didn't hesitate to say a couple of phrases in Greek, confirming how much he enjoys connecting with other cultures. "I feel this place as if it were my home. It has been a few months since I moved here with my family, a journey that has been very exciting as I have always loved this country. I would say that all Serbians love Greece, for sure. We love everything about its culture and traditions, all the connections we share among us," the Balkan player emotionally stated.
"I will always be grateful for the hospitality of these people. They are famous for being a very welcoming and global community that always receives you with open arms. Beyond my sporting successes or any recognition I may have, I believe that the people here have welcomed me from a friendly, very human perspective, and that has touched my heart. Now I carry Athens in my heart," emphasized the great champion.
Novak Djokovic lowers his expectations in Athens
Although approaching 39 years old, talking about Novak Djokovic means discussing someone who is always a contender to win any tournament, even an ATP 250 in the penultimate week of the calendar, with all that entails. Hence, the Serb had to stop the court-side interviewer when presented with the idea of lifting the trophy next weekend.
"Of course, that is the goal, but the tournament has just started for me, so everything must be taken with a bit more calmness, step by step, day by day. Today, I am happy with the match I played tonight against a player like Tabilo, who is always dangerous. In fact, I had faced him twice before and had never beaten him, although both encounters were on clay," he pointed out after his victory by 7-6 and 6-1.
After defeats to Tabilo in Rome 2024 and Monte Carlo 2025, the third time was the charm for Novak in Athens, securing his first victory against the Chilean. "The head-to-head record always makes you a bit cautious before the match, it obliges you to review some moments from those previous encounters. All of that has helped me, combined with the affection and support I have received from these people since the beginning," he acknowledged before leaving the stadium to a tremendous ovation.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic "conquista" Atenas: “Aquí me siento como en casa”