Novak Djokovic continues to defy the passage of time and the boundaries of greatness. On Thursday, the Serbian superstar achieved yet another career milestone by capturing his 200th indoor win at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship, defeating Portugal’s Nuno Borges 7-6(1), 6-4 to advance to the semi-finals in Athens.
The victory not only marked another dominant performance for the 38-year-old legend but also reinforced his unyielding pursuit of history as he inches closer to his 101st career title — a feat that would further cement his standing among the sport’s all-time greats.
A milestone victory in Athens
In a contest that lasted one hour and 44 minutes, Djokovic demonstrated his trademark precision and mental resilience. Despite missing three break-point opportunities early in the match, the former World No. 1 elevated his game when it mattered most. After a tightly contested opening set, Djokovic produced a flawless tie-break, racing to a 6-1 lead before closing it out with a roar of emotion and a high-five celebration with fans courtside.
“It was a very physical battle. I thought Nuno played a high level,” Novak Djokovic said after the match. “I was a bit surprised with how good he played. I think we went toe to toe, most of the match. Just a few points decided the winner tonight and he deserves a round of applause for his performance.
“I played a great tie-break in the first set. Not too many opportunities for both of us to break the serve of the other guy. That game was the only game I was able to break him.”
Chasing his 101st title
Djokovic entered the Athens event riding a wave of momentum after winning his 100th career title earlier this year in Geneva, joining an exclusive club of tennis legends. Only Jimmy Connors (109 titles) and Roger Federer (103) have more trophies than the Serbian icon.
The Hellenic Championship is serving as a crucial tune-up for the upcoming Nitto ATP Finals, where Novak Djokovic — a record seven-time year-end champion — will face a formidable group that includes Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur in the Jimmy Connors Group.
In his opening match in Athens, Djokovic avenged past losses against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, earning his first victory over the South American after three attempts. His form has remained impeccable this week, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion now boasting a 29-0 record after winning the first set in 2025, according to ATP Infosys Stats.
Novak Djokovic’s consistency, even at 38, remains unparalleled. He will next face either Marcos Giron or Yannick Hanfmann in what will be his 199th career semi-final, as he continues his march toward yet another title.