Djokovic Outlasts Musetti in Athens Thriller for Milestone Title
In a sun-baked arena echoing ancient triumphs, Novak Djokovic summoned his trademark resilience to edge Lorenzo Musetti in a three-set war, claiming his 101st crown and etching another mark on tennis history.
On November 8, 2025, under the clear skies of Athens, Novak Djokovic claimed his 101st career title at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship, grinding through a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Lorenzo Musetti in a final that lasted three grueling hours. The 38-year-old Serbian poured everything into the hard-court battle, where 13 break points and five service breaks in the decider turned the match into a test of wills as much as skill. This win marked his 72nd tour-level title on hard courts, drawing level with Roger Federer for the Open Era record, as the crowd's roars blended with the rhythmic thuds of baseline exchanges.
Musetti's high-stakes push falters
The Italian arrived with everything on the line, needing the trophy to leapfrog Felix Auger-Aliassime for the final spot in the Nitto ATP Finals. Musetti's one-handed backhand slices disrupted Djokovic early, carving out a break with an inside-out forehand that skimmed the line for the first set. Yet as fatigue set in during the third, his patterns broke down, allowing the Serb to counter with deep crosscourt returns that pinned him deep.
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… Three hours of a gruelling match, physically,” Djokovic said after his three-hour 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.”
Djokovic adapts to seize control
Djokovic absorbed the early pressure, then shifted gears in the second set by varying his one–two punch, mixing wide serves to the deuce side with down-the-line returns to force errors. His net approaches increased, disrupting the rhythm that favored Musetti's variety and turning defensive lobs into offensive opportunities with underspin replies. The decider's chaos favored the veteran's experience, as he closed with a forehand winner after a 20-shot rally that left the arena breathless.
Lessons forge future rivalries
For Musetti, the defeat marked his sixth straight ATP Tour final loss since his first titles in Hamburg and Naples back in 2022, though Djokovic's withdrawal from the year-end event cleared his path to a debut in Turin. He now trails the Serb 1-9 in their head-to-head, a gap that speaks to the master's ability to neutralize artistry with relentless coverage. “Novak, there are not many words to say about you and your career,” Musetti reflected post-match. “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.” As the season closes, this Athens clash not only bolsters Djokovic's legacy but signals Musetti's rise, promising fiercer battles ahead on the tour's grand stages.
