Novak Djokovic began his campaign at the inaugural Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship in Athens with a solid win.
The top seed defeated Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo (ATP no.89) in the second round, 7-6 (3), 6-1, after one hour and 39 minutes of play.
This was Novak’s first career win over Tabilo. The Chilean still leads their H2H 2-1.
The first set was tight, with both players playing at a high level. Novak missed two break points in the opening game. Both players held serve comfortably until the tie-break, where Novak raised his game, took early control, and closed it out 7–3. The set lasted 68 minutes, and Novak’s stronger play in key moments made the difference. He hit 18 winners compared to Tabilo’s 10 and made three unforced errors less than his rival.
The turning point in the second set came in the fourth game, when Novak broke Tabilo’s serve and took full command of the match. From there, he stayed solid, added another break near the end, and calmly finished the job.
“It feels really at home, playing in Athens,” said Djokovic, who recently relocated to Athens. “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. Historically, culturally, and religiously, we have a lot of things connecting us. Athens is in my heart, no question about it.”
Match statistics: aces (13-4), double faults (0-1), winners (27-12), unforced errors (21-23), total points won (73-48).
In the quarter-finals, Novak will face Nuno Borges (POR, 6). It will be their first-ever meeting.
Photo: Profimedia
