Novak Djokovic in Athens: Why the Olympic tennis gold medallist is playing in Greece

Novak Djokovic Competes in Athens for ATP Tournament

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic tennis gold medallist, is playing his second-to-last tournament of the 2025 season in Athens. This city hosts an ATP tournament for the first time since 1994, marking a special return to the historic location.

Special Connection to Athens and the Olympics

The Serbian tennis star, who won the men’s singles gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has a strong connection to the Olympic Games. His visit to Athens—the ancient origin of the Games—felt like a natural and meaningful choice.

Since the US Open in September, Djokovic has frequently visited Athens, including the iconic Panathenaic Stadium from the first modern Olympic Games of 1896. Now at 38 years old, Djokovic faces the opportunity to compete in this illustrious city for the first time at the 2025 Hellenic Championship, an ATP 250 event held from November 2nd to 8th.

Djokovic's Enthusiasm for the Tournament

“I hope that you guys are as excited as I am and all the players to play in Athens, that has the ATP tournament back again after 30 years,” Djokovic said via the tournament’s social media.
“There is a great excitement... this arena being one of the most famous basketball arenas in the world, home of Panathinaikos, one of the best clubs in Europe.”
“[It's] such a historic venue, and it's a great honour and great pleasure to be here. I'm very excited to see you all fill up this amazing stadium and hopefully watch some world-class tennis."
Tournament Context

The event celebrates the return of professional ATP tennis to Athens after a three-decade gap, highlighting the city's ongoing role in global sports and its historic significance.

Novak Djokovic’s participation in the Athens ATP 250 reflects his deep ties to Olympic history and enthusiasm for competing in historic venues late in his career.

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Olympics.com Olympics.com — 2025-11-03

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