Novak Djokovic claimed ATP title no 101 in his hometown Athens on Saturday, following a tough and entertaining final against Lorenzo Musetti. The Italian now missed his chance to claim the last spot for the ATP Finals in Turin.
UPDATE: Novak Djokovic has just announced his withdrawal from the season ending finale in Turin due to a shoulder injury and that means that Musetti will make his career debut at the ATP Finals despite the loss in Athens.
Entertaining final in Athens
The new ATP event in Athens has been a great watch and the final did not disappoint. The 23-year-old Italian needed to win the tournament to automatically qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals, making the showdown a winner-take-all event for his Turin aspirations. He came out firing, breaking Djokovic early to claim the first set 6-4. The Serb, who had not dropped a set all week leading up to the final, quickly responded in the second set, levelling the match with a dominant 6-3 performance.
The deciding third set was a dramatic affair, featuring multiple service breaks from both players and there were clear signs of fatigue from both players. Djokovic took an early lead, but Musetti clawed his way back, showing incredible fighting spirit. The turning point came late in the set: after trading breaks, Djokovic secured a decisive break at 5-5. Serving for the championship, the veteran held his nerve, closing out the match at love to seal the 7-5 final set.
Lesson 101: How to Conquer Olympus ??@DjokerNole defeats Musetti in Athens for his 101st tour-level title! ?#HellenicChampionship pic.twitter.com/wYDdXo6Lvd
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 8, 2025
“An incredible battle…” Djokovic said on court following the win. “It could have been anybody’s match, so congrats to Lorenzo for an amazing performance. I’m just very proud of myself to get through this one.”
Musetti out of Turin season finale
For Musetti, it was a tough defeat after a great tournament, and he will miss the Turin Finals by the smallest margins. It was also his sixth consecutive defeat in an ATP Tour final. But the Italian will surely be back with more chances in the coming season.
“You are proving, still at your age, that you can kick us, like me today. Everytime I share the court with you, I take it as a lesson, so thanks for that.” was his comment to Novak after the final.
Djokovic’s participation in the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin remains unconfirmed, with the world’s best now turning their attention to the season finale next week.
