Novak Djokovic moved to Athens with his family after the US Open. Two months later, the greatest player of all time is competing at the ATP 250 event in the Greece capital as the top seed.
The Serb faced Alejandro Tabilo in the second round and provided a 7-6, 6-1 victory in an hour and 39 minutes for a place in his 225th ATP quarter-final. It was an important match for the veteran.
Djokovic felt tension before the duel, having lost both previous matches against the Chilean on clay in straight sets in the previous two seasons. Novak claimed a tight opener in Athens and dominated set number two.
The 38-year-old also praised Athens as his new home and the crowd that supported him and gave him strength to overcome challenging moments in the opening set.
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Djokovic produced reliable numbers behind the first serve and denied the only break point he offered to his opponent at the beginning of the second set. He stole 42% of the return points and secured two breaks from five chances.
Tabilo denied two break points in the first game of the match. Those were the only chances for the returners, with 11 fine holds that followed and introduced a tie break.
The more experienced player clinched all five points on serve and earned a mini-break in the first point after Alejandro's loose forehand. The veteran moved 5-2 up and seized a set point at 6-3 after a forced error to wrap up the first part of the match in 67 minutes.
Novak denied a break point in the first game of the second set and secured a break at love at 2-1 to move in front. Djokovic cemented the lead with a hold at love a few minutes later.
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The legend welcomed the rival's mistake at 4-1 to provide another break and extend the advantage. Novak held at 15 at 5-1 with a forced error to emerge at the top and provide his first triumph over Alejandro.
"Playing in Athens feels really at home. I came here with my family a few months ago, and I was very excited because I have always loved Greece, like every Serb. Many things connect us, historically, culturally and religiously.
Athens is in my heart. I faced Tabilo, who defeated me two times on clay in the previous two years. That fact put me under tension before the match, and I really tried to draw the energy from the crowd that came to support me," Novak Djokovic said.
