Novak notches first “home” win in Athens

Novak Djokovic returned to tennis in his new hometown of Athens on Tuesday and dispatched Alejandro Tabilo 7-6 (3), 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals as the former No. 1 plays for the first time since Shanghai nearly a month ago.

The Serb made a special effort to front up in the Greek capital, where he upped stakes and moved his family over the autumn.

The world No. 5 is qualified for the eight-man ATP Finals starting on Sunday in Turin but has yet to fully commit to that year-ender in Italy.

Djokovic, 38, was all smiles after his defeat of Chilean Tabilo who had beaten him in their two previous meetings.

“I’m thrilled to get through tonight,” the Serb said. “I was under more tension and stress than a normal match.

“I was able to draw energy and support from the crowd.”

The 24-time Grand Slam winner made sure to front up for an event run by his family and formerly played in his native Belgrade.

But reports indicate that recent political unrest in the Serb capital and Djokovic’s support of protesting students has not done the national sporting hero any favours with the ruling party in the Balkan state.

The formerly Monte Carlo-based player now calls Athens his home.

Djokovic reached the quarter-finals with his win as top seed after a bye in the opening round.

“It felt really like home playing in Athens,” he told the crowd. “I came here a few months ago with my family

“I’m very excited, all Serbs love Greece, I always have. Historically, culturally and religiously there are a lot of things connecting us.

“People in Athens have touched my heart – no question about it.”

Djokovic will be playing his 225th Tour quarter-final spread of 25 different countries.