Novak Djokovic makes successful return to competitive tennis at 'home' in Athens

Novak Djokovic made a successful return to tennis after a three-week break, defeating Alejandro Tabilo 7-6 (7/3), 6-1 in the round of 16 at the Athens ATP tournament on Tuesday. The 38-year-old top seed, who received a first-round bye, overcame his previous losses against the Chilean player.The world number five secured his spot in his 225th tour-level quarter-final after breaking twice in the second set, following a tiebreak victory in the opening set."Playing against Tabilo, who I had never won against, I was more under tension before the match than some other matches and I really tried to draw the energy from the crowd," Djokovic said."It feels really at home, playing in Athens. A few months ago when I came here with my family, I was very excited because I have always loved Greece.

Serbians love Greece, for sure. Historically, culturally, and religiously, we have a lot of things connecting us. Athens is in my heart, no question about it."Djokovic, who recently moved to Athens, had previously lost to the 89th-ranked Tabilo in their last two meetings on clay in Rome last year and Monte Carlo this season.
His next opponent will be Portuguese sixth-seed Nuno Borges, who advanced after defeating American qualifier Eliot Spizzirri 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.

The 24-times Grand Slam winner's participation at the season-ending ATP finals in Turin was confirmed on Monday.Djokovic had been absent from competition since his semi-final loss to Valentin Vacherot at the Shanghai Masters 1000 on October 11, subsequently skipping the Paris Masters which concluded on Sunday.