Novak Djokovic has reached his 225th quarterfinal on the ATP Tour after beating Alejandro Tabilo at the Hellenic Championship.
Djokovic entered the match in Athens with a very rare losing record against Tabilo, who had won both of their previous meetings on the ATP Tour.
But the Serbian stormed to a 7-6(7-3), 6-1 win in their Hellenic Championship clash to set up a quarterfinal meeting with Nuno Borges.
It represented his first win in his new home base, with legendary figure Djokovic having recently relocated his family to Greece.
Novak Djokovic makes comment about Athens crowd after beating Alejandro Tabilo
Djokovic felt the love on court in Athens, saying immediately after his first win at the ATP 250 event: “I’m really thrilled to get through tonight.
“To get through against Tabilo, who I had never won against – we played two times on clay court and he won both matches – I was under more tension and stress before this match than in most matches. I drew energy and support from the crowd and I want to thank you.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion added: “It feels like home playing in Athens. A few months ago when I came here with my family, I was really very excited because I always loved Greece – all Serbia loves Greece for sure.
“We have a lot of things connecting us. So it was amazing to experience great hospitality with Greek people, which Greece is globally famous for.
“But more than recognition for my tennis achievements, I feel like people approach me in a most humane way. Athens is in my heart, no doubt about it.”
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Djokovic was clearly under pressure to deliver in front of his home fans, with added pressure coming from his record against Tabilo.
But he battled hard to overcome the nerves and his Chilean opponent, who had beaten him in Rome and Monte Carlo last year and this year respectively.
He’s now one of just four men in the Open Era to make 225 quarterfinals, following in the footsteps of Jimmy Connors (276), Roger Federer (245) and Rafael Nadal (226).
Djokovic is chasing a 101st ATP title at the Hellenic Championship, which he takes on before his potential appearance at the ATP Finals.
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