Djokovic ATP Athens 2025: Wins & Controversy

Djokovic with grit and coolness into the semi-finals – highlights

Those: SNTV

Novak Djokovic flattered the fans in his new adopted home of Athens. He sent a heartfelt message to the stands of the OAKA Arena and then made a special effort in the interview.

“Good evening, Greece. I love you. How are you? I’m fine,” said the Grand Slam record winner beaming with his first snippets of the national language and received a lot of applause: “I’m still working on my Greek.”

It has only been around two months since the exceptional athlete moved from his home country of Serbia to the historic metropolis of Athens.

Djokovic took his entourage with him – and even the tournament that his family had previously hosted in Belgrade for years.

It was only in August that the ATP announced the change of location for the 250cc event. Djokovic’s brother Djordie remains the tournament director, while Novak will play against Yannick Hanfmann for a place in the final on Friday (from 4:00 p.m. in live scoring).

Djokovic: “They welcomed us with open arms”

The fifth in the world rankings has so far remained silent about the reasons for his new beginning with the family. Djokovic at least emphasized how much he liked Greece.

Novak Djokovic at the ATP tournament in Athens

Fotocredit: Getty Images

“They welcomed us here with open arms,” said the father of two children on “CNN Greece”. It feels “very much like a home for me and my family members.” He also noted many “historical, cultural, religious and social” similarities between Serbia and Greece.

However, Djokovic has not yet spoken about the drastic decision to turn his back on Serbia for the time being. It is clear that the situation in his homeland has changed for the sports idol.

The country has been rocked by a wave of student protests after a roof collapse at a train station in the city of Novi Sad killed 16 people in early November 2024. The demonstrators blame corruption in the country for the collapse.

Djokovic on protests: “Can’t pretend…”

Djokovic expressed solidarity with the protesters at the Australian Open last January. “My support goes out to the young people, the students and all those to whom the future of our country belongs,” he said in Melbourne: “I can’t pretend that nothing is happening (in Serbia) and of course these things affect me.”

Afterwards, according to reports, the wind changed from President Aleksandar Vucic’s environment. Most recently, a mural of Djokovic in Belgrade is said to have been painted over black.

Djokovic can equal Federer’s record

The Serbian folk hero now has his base in Greece. His next goal after the new home tournament in Athens is the ATP Finals in Turin.

Highlights: Djokovic continues to fight in Athens

Quelle: Perform

Djokovic, who celebrated his 200th victory in the hall on Thursday with a 7:6 (7:1), 6:4 win over the Portuguese Nuno Borges and reached the semi-finals, has qualified for the prestigious end of the year for the 18th time. In doing so, he equaled Roger Federer’s record.

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(SID)