Novak Djokovic defeated Lorenzo Musetti in a thrilling final at the Hellenic Championship in Athens, Greece, effectively knocking the Italian out of contention for the ATP Tour Finals—at least temporarily. The 24-time Grand Slam champion showcased his resilience by recovering from a one-set deficit, ultimately winning 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to secure his 101st ATP Tour title.
After the match, an exhausted Djokovic expressed his joy in a trophy speech but left his participation in the upcoming ATP Tour Finals unclear. This tournament is set to begin on November 9, 2023. Djokovic, now 38 years old, has been a wildcard in the qualification race for several weeks, influencing the dynamics among players vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
In Paris, players including Musetti, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev, and Alexander Bublik have been battling for the final places, with Auger-Aliassime’s recent performance leaving Musetti in a win-or-bust scenario during the Hellenic Championship. This event, owned by Djokovic’s family, was relocated from Belgrade amid protests against Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
Djokovic acknowledged the support he received in Greece, stating, “I would like to thank the people of Greece for coming out, supporting sport. Playing here, and being here, just feels like home.” His victory in Athens places him in a strong position heading into the finals. The ATP Tour Finals, which will feature six players instead of the usual eight, has Djokovic grouped with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz from the U.S., and Alex de Minaur from Australia.
Djokovic’s recent form, particularly his impressive 14-1 record against Fritz and de Minaur, highlights his potential for success. He views three-set matches as advantageous for challenging top players like Alcaraz and world No. 2 Jannik Sinner. The fast indoor conditions in Turin, where the finals will take place, complement Djokovic’s evolution as a precise server who attacks aggressively.
Musetti, on the other hand, is grappling with disappointment. He has not secured a title since 2022 and has now lost six consecutive finals. Reflecting on his struggles to qualify for the ATP Tour Finals in his home country, he remarked, “It’s becoming not a dream, but a nightmare, honestly. I’m fighting every week, since Wimbledon I’m playing straight every week.”
As Djokovic prepares for the next phase of his career, the ATP Tour Finals is poised to be another exciting chapter, with the spotlight on both seasoned champions and emerging talents.
