Did Djokovic Secure His 101st Title in Athens but Withdraw from ATP Finals Due to Injury?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Djokovic wins his 101st title at the Hellenic Championship.
- Match against Musetti lasted over three hours.
- Djokovic surpasses Federer for the most hard court titles in the Open Era.
- Musetti will compete in the ATP Finals after Djokovic's withdrawal.
- Injury forces Djokovic to withdraw from the ATP Finals.
Athens, Nov 9 (NationPress) Novak Djokovic achieved an impressive milestone by winning his 101st career title at the Hellenic Championship, defeating Lorenzo Musetti in a thrilling match that lasted over three hours. The 38-year-old Serbian fought hard to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory in the final, which was marked by 13 break points and five service breaks in the deciding set.
This triumph also marks Djokovic's 72nd title on hard courts, allowing him to surpass Roger Federer for the most hard court titles in the Open Era.
Both competitors were tested to their limits, particularly during the final set. For Musetti, this match was heartbreaking as it resulted in his sixth successive defeat in an ATP Tour final. He previously secured his first two titles in 2022 at Hamburg and Naples, as reported by ATP.
"I dedicate this victory to the amazing people of Greece. Your support for me and tennis has made me feel at home. This win feels even more significant with my family present. A big thank you to everyone involved in making this beautiful tournament a reality," Djokovic expressed on Instagram.
"To Musetti, what a fantastic battle. Congratulations on your performance and the tournament. Keep pushing, your future looks bright," he added.
Musetti needed this title to surpass Felix Auger-Aliassime and secure a spot in the Nitto ATP Finals. However, following Djokovic's withdrawal later that day, Musetti will take Djokovic's place and compete at the season finale for the first time.
"I was eagerly looking forward to competing in Turin and giving my best, but after today's match in Athens, I regret to announce that I must withdraw due to an ongoing injury. I'm genuinely sorry to the fans who hoped to see me play—your support means the world to me. I wish all the players an amazing tournament, and I can't wait to be back on the court soon!" Djokovic stated.