The historic return of the ATP Tour to Greece marks a significant milestone for tennis in the country. From 1 to 8 November 2025, Athens will host the Hellenic Championship ATP 250, a tournament that not only signifies a new era for Greek tennis but also officially places the nation on the ATP Tour calendar.
Atp tour: A New Era for Greek Tennis
The tournament will take place at the Telekom Center Basketball Arena, located in the Olympic Sports Complex of Athens, and is expected to attract a stellar lineup of global tennis talent. Among the confirmed participants are Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic, Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas, Russian player Karen Khachanov, and Swiss three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. Rising stars such as Czech Jiří Lehečka, Brazilian João Fonseca, and American Brandon Nakashima will also be in the mix.
Transforming the Venue
Transforming the OAKA into a premier tennis venue has been no small feat. The Telekom Center, with a capacity of 20,000 spectators, will welcome over 70 top players, with matches broadcast in over 150 countries. This event will elevate Athens’ profile as a major stop on the international ATP calendar, especially following a tumultuous journey to bring the tournament to Greece.
A Long and Winding Road
The path to hosting this tournament has been anything but straightforward. Originally slated to take place in Russia, the event was moved due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. After temporary relocations to Israel, Serbia, and Spain, it was Djokovic, along with his team, who secured the tournament for Greece, highlighting the country’s burgeoning status in the tennis world.
Djokovic’s Vision for Greek Tennis
In a recent statement, Djokovic expressed his enthusiasm for the Hellenic Championship, stating, “Greece now has a place on the map of world tennis. It is a country with tremendous energy, a rich sporting history, and a new generation of fans who love the sport. I am proud to have contributed to bringing the ATP Tour back here after so many years. I hope this tournament becomes an institution and inspires young people to pick up a racket.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
For the Hellenic Tennis Federation, the return of the ATP Tour is not merely an athletic event; it is the culmination of years of effort to elevate professional tennis in Greece. Currently, the country hosts 30 Futures and 7 Challenger tournaments annually, laying a solid foundation for the sport’s growth.
Potential for an Annual Fixture
The president of the Hellenic Tennis Federation, Theodoros Glavas, remarked, “The organisation of an ATP tournament in Greece after three decades is a landmark moment. It is not just the joy of a major event returning, but also a tremendous opportunity for Greek athletes to compete at the highest level in their homeland. It opens new avenues for promoting tennis, attracting sponsors, and inspiring young people to believe they can succeed.” He expressed hopes that the Hellenic Championship could become an annual event, with future tournaments potentially held at the Olympic Stadium during more favourable weather conditions.
Access for All on Opening Day
As excitement builds for the tournament, the opening day on 1 November will feature free admission with electronic booking, allowing fans to experience top-tier tennis first-hand. For the subsequent days, ticket prices will range from €20 to €720 for VIP seating. Additionally, on 2 and 3 November, children aged 2 to 7 will be granted free entry as part of an initiative aimed at bringing the sport closer to the younger generation.
A Bright Future Ahead
The countdown to the tournament has begun, with a clear message resonating: Greece is making a powerful return to the international tennis stage. The Hellenic Championship ATP 250 is not just a tournament; it heralds the start of a new chapter for Greek sport, one that promises to inspire, unite, and bring tennis closer to the Greek public than ever before.
