Novak Djokovic Surprised by Nuno Borges’ Strong Play, Eyes Federer’s Semi-Final Record
Novak Djokovic continued his impressive form at the Hellenic Championship in Greece on Thursday, marking his first tennis action since settling in Athens earlier this year with his family. The Serbian champion advanced to his 199th Tour-level semi-final, moving just 13 appearances away from surpassing Roger Federer’s all-time record of 211.
The tournament, an ATP 250 event, is directed by Djokovic’s younger brother. The 24-time Grand Slam winner played his first-ever professional match in Greece earlier this week against Alejandro Tabilo before facing Nuno Borges in the next round.
Match Highlights
- Djokovic saved two break points at 4-4 in the opening set before clinching it in a tiebreak.
- He secured victory over Borges with a 7-6, 6-4 scoreline.
- The Serbian also faced a tiebreak in his opening match against Tabilo earlier in the week.
“It was a very physical battle. I thought that Nuno played on a very high level,” Djokovic said after the match.
Looking Ahead
Djokovic’s relentless consistency continues to push him closer to Roger Federer’s long-standing record for most semi-final appearances in ATP history. If his current momentum holds, the milestone could soon be within reach.
Author’s Summary: Djokovic’s strong performance in Greece brings him only a handful of semi-finals away from eclipsing Federer’s record, showcasing his enduring hunger for the sport.