Novak Djokovic will debut at the ATP 250 event in Athens on Tuesday against the Chilean, Alejandro Tabilo. The top seed will seek his first victory over Tabilo, having lost to him on the big stages on clay in 2024 and 2025.
The Chilean has won all four sets against the Serb, besting him in Rome in 2024 and in Monte Carlo this April. The 38-year-old will seek revenge on an indoor hard court, hoping for a strong finish to the season.
Despite a reduced schedule, Djokovic will likely finish the season in the top-4 following his great run at all four Majors and two notable results at a Masters 1000 level.
The Serb has struggled physically in the previous weeks. He became the oldest Masters 1000 semi-finalist in Shanghai despite brutal conditions before retiring against Taylor Fritz at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh.
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Novak rested his body and entered the ATP 250 event in Athens, where he lives since September. The 24-time Major winner will seek four triumphs and his second title of the season after Geneva.
Tabilo knows how to challenge the legend, at least on clay. He provided a stunning victory in Rome in 2024 before besting Djokovic again this April in Monte Carlo.
The Chilean earned a 6-3, 6-4 victory in an hour and 27 minutes in the second round. The Serb arrived in Monte Carlo after the Miami Open final and with a viral infoection, entering the draw with low expectations.
Still, he did not expect to perform that poorly against Alejandro, apologizing to everyone who watched the match. Alejandro tamed his strokes nicely and landed 16 winners and unforced errors.
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He saved two of three break points and stole 45% of the return points to provide three breaks from eight opportunities. Djokovic sprayed too many mistakes, mostly from his forehand.
Novak struggled to find service winners and trailed in the shortest exchanges up to four strokes big time. The Serb hopes for a stronger performance on an indoor hard court in Athens.
Tabilo had to dig deep in the first round and arrange his third duel against the most decorated player of all time. The Chilean prevailed over Adam Walton 7-6, 6-7, 7-5 in three hours and two minutes.
Walton fired 20 aces and played better behind the first and second serve. However, he wasted four of six break points and experienced three breaks to propel his rival over the top.
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Alejandro saved a set point in the tie break of the opening set to move in front. The Aussie wasted a 5-2 lead in the second set and faced a match point at 5-6 in the tie break.
He saved it and clinched the breaker 8-6 to introduce a decider. Tabilo struggled on serve in games five, seven and nine. Walton missed a chance to grab a break earlier before achieving that at 4-4.
The Aussie served for the win in game ten but experienced a break to keep the more experienced rival in contention. Tabilo gained a boost and provided another break at 6-5 to emerge at the top and arrange his third clash against Novak Djokovic.
