Novak Djokovic is playing the Athens ATP 250 this week and had a strong debut against Alejandro Tabilo on Tuesday, defeating for the first time an opponent who had caused him more trouble than expected in the past. The Chilean ace had beaten the former world number 1 both in Rome last year and at the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 in 2025, which is why the Serbian legend entered the court very focused and did not fail her goal.
As everyone knows, the 38-year-old from Belgrade has not communicated his decision regarding his participation in the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, specifying that he will make a final choice only at the end of the Greek tournament. A few days ago, FITP president Angelo Binaghi had anticipated that Nole would be present at the Inalpi Arena from 9 to 16 November, but his statements were promptly denied by the 24-time Grand Slam champion immediately after his debut in Athens.
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Nole makes courageous choices
Despite his short schedule, Djokovic had an excellent season, winning a title (in Geneva) and reaching at least the semifinals in all the Majors in which he participated. He is perfectly aware that it will not be easy for him to beat two young champions like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner again, but he likes to compete too much and will give his best again next year.
Meanwhile, Novak is enjoying his time in Greece where he has moved along with his entire family and will be back in action against Portuguese ace Nuno Borges today.
On the latest episode of his famous podcast, former world No.1 Andy Roddick analyzed Nole's ability to make courageous choices with extreme lucidity: "I respect Novak enormously because he really believes in everything he does. He moved to Greece because he thinks it is the right choice for himself and his whole family, despite the fact that this move meant turning his life upside down. This also explains how he managed to dethrone two icons like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal when no one thought it was possible."
