Novak Djokovic Returns: Faces “Bogeyman” Alejandro Tabilo in Athens ATP 250 Opener

ByAlexander

Nov 3, 2025 #Celebrity Tennis, #novak

Novak Djokovic Returns: Faces “Bogeyman” Alejandro Tabilo in Athens ATP 250 Opener

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is set to return to competitive play this week at the **Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship** (ATP 250) in Athens, Greece.

🚨 Djokovic’s Next Match Confirmed: A Potentially Difficult Opener

After pulling out of the Rolex Paris Masters, the 38-year-old top seed received a first-round bye and will begin his campaign in the second round on **Tuesday, November 4th** (exact time TBD).

Key Matchup Details (Last 24 Hours)

Tournament: Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship (Athens Open)
Match Date: Tuesday, November 4th
Opponent: **Alejandro Tabilo** (Chile)
Head-to-Head (H2H): Tabilo leads Djokovic **2-0** (One of the very few players with an unbeaten record against the Serbian superstar across multiple matches).

Tabilo secured his spot in the second round by winning a tough three-set match against Adam Walton on Sunday. The matchup against Tabilo presents a considerable challenge for Djokovic, as the Chilean famously defeated him earlier this season at the Monte-Carlo Masters and also beat him in Rome last year.

Context: Final Tune-Up Before the ATP Finals

The Athens Open marks Djokovic’s return to the tour since the Shanghai Masters semi-finals last month. This tournament, organized by his family (the event was relocated from Belgrade), is widely viewed as a crucial indoor hard-court tune-up before the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, which begins on November 9th. Djokovic is aiming to find his rhythm and secure his 101st career ATP title.

“The matchup against Tabilo is challenging; he is one of the few players who has truly acted as Novak Djokovic’s ‘bogeyman’ on the tour, holding an unbeaten record against him.”

His performance in Athens is expected to influence speculation regarding his commitment to the ATP Finals in Turin, given the tight schedule between the two events.