Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has recently relocated to Athens, settling with his family in the coastal suburb of Glyfada. His move marks a new chapter in his career, as he prepares to compete in the upcoming Athens Open, which replaces the Belgrade Open on the tour calendar. With his ties to Greece growing stronger, Djokovic has become a visible presence in the local tennis scene.
A surprise appearance at the Davis Cup
This weekend, Djokovic was spotted courtside at the Olympic Athletic Centre of Athens, where Greece faced Brazil in a crucial Davis Cup tie. The Serbian legend was invited by the Hellenic Tennis Federation to witness the national team’s effort up close. His presence added star power to the event, even as Serbia, his home country, competed in a separate tie without him.
Tsitsipas under pressure as Brazil leads
The spotlight was firmly on Stefanos Tsitsipas, Greece’s top player, as he took on Brazil’s rising star João Fonseca. With Brazil leading the tie 2–1, Tsitsipas needed a win to keep Greece’s hopes alive. The match carried enormous weight—not just for national pride, but for Greece’s chances of advancing to the Davis Cup qualifying round in 2026.
Djokovic’s presence stirs debate
Djokovic’s decision to attend the Greece vs Brazil match rather than support Serbia raised eyebrows among fans and commentators. Serbia and Greece are rivals in the Davis Cup World Group I, and some questioned the optics of his choice. Still, his appearance in Athens reflects a personal shift, as he embraces his new environment and supports the sport beyond national boundaries.
A match that could define Greece’s campaign
As Tsitsipas battled Fonseca, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Greece, ranked 19 places below Brazil, entered the tie as underdogs. With Djokovic watching from the stands, the pressure on Tsitsipas was immense. A victory would not only level the tie but also inject momentum into Greece’s campaign, while a loss would seal Brazil’s advancement and leave Greek fans heartbroken.
Novak Djokovic in 2025
Ranked world no.4, the Serbian played his last match on the 5th of September when he was defeated by world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 7-6(4) 6-2 in the semifinal of the U.S. Open (draw).
Until now, during this year Novak owns a compiled 31-10 win-loss record. Djokovic clinched 1 title in Geneva. Novak reached the final in Miami.
ATP U.S. Open - Novak Djokovic's projected path
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2025
Now the world no.27, Stefanos played his last match on the 28th of August when he was defeated by world no.50 Daniel Altmaier 7-6(5) 1-6 4-6 6-3 7-5 in the 2nd round of the U.S. Open (draw).
Currently, during this season Stefanos achieved a composed 21-17 match record. Tsitsipas has won 1 title in Dubai.
He is also scheduled to play in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters) after Beijing. The main draw will start on the 25th of September.
ATP U.S. Open - Stefanos Tsitsipas's projected path
Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas played each other 14 times. Their actual head to head record is 12-2 for Djokovic.