“I was more attentive and stressed”: Djokovic confessed after crossing out a pending account against Tabilo

The third time was the charm for the Serbian Novak Djokovic (5th), who crossed out a pending account against the Chilean Alejandro Tabilo (89th) this Tuesday by resisting in the first set, showing their best game in the second and winning 7-6 (3) and 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals of the Athens ATP 250.

The former number 1 in the world ranking needed practically 100 minutes to successfully debut on the indoor courts of the OAKA Basketball Arena, where he totaled 92% points earned on your first serve27 winnerstwo breaks achieved and no breaks conceded, taking over 20 of the last 23 rallies, to throw all the experience and category to the left-hander born in Toronto, Canada, executioner in the two previous duels against each other, in the Masters 1000 in Rome 2024 and the Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo 2025.

“The tournament has just started. Let’s take it slow, one by one. Just I’m very happy to survive tonight. I played against Tabilo, who had never beaten him. We had played on clay twice, last year and this year, and I had won both. I guess I was more attentive and stressed than in other games. I tried to feed off the crowd’s energy and use it to my advantage. I want to thank you,” said the 38-year-old native of Belgrade, the top favorite, at the foot of the center court.

On the other hand, the owner of 24 Grand Slam trophies, who outlined some timid words in the local language, once again expressed his affection for the Hellenic country: “I’m still working on my Greek. Playing in Athens really feels like home. A few months ago I moved here with my family. I was very excited, I have always loved Greece. All Serbs love Greece. Historically, culturally and religiously I think we have many things in common.”

“It was incredible to experience the hospitality of the Greek people. More than in recognition of my achievements in tennis, I feel that people approached me in a friendly and human way. That is something that touched my heart. Athens is in my heart“There is no doubt about that,” continued the gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, who made it into the top eight of an event for the 225th time, ninth in 2025.

In search of a ticket to the semifinals, the 100-time winner at the highest level will clash this Thursday against the winner of the duel between the Portuguese Nuno Borges (47th), sixth seed, and the qualy United States Eliot Spizzirri (96°).

All the activity of the ATP 250 in Athens can be followed LIVE on Disney+ Premium Plan.