Djokovic’s Athens victory fuels his record chase and hard-court legacy
Novak Djokovic added yet another chapter to his astonishing late-career push on Saturday, claiming the Hellenic Championship crown in Athens with a gritty 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Lorenzo Musetti. The win delivered the 38-year-old Serbian his 101st career title, pulling him within two of Roger Federer’s Open Era mark of 103. As the final standard-bearer of the Big Three era, Nole’s 2025 campaign was all about his 25th Grand Slam win. However, he fell short, but semifinal runs and a year-long hunt for history have kept him firmly in the chase for records that once looked untouchable.
The final in Athens highlighted Djokovic’s enduring greatness. Across three hours of punishing, physical tennis featuring 13 break points and five decisive-set breaks of serve. “An incredible battle… Three hours of a grueling match, physically,” Djokovic said after lifting the trophy. “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.”
The victory not only shattered Musetti’s hopes of reaching the ATP Finals but also marked Djokovic’s 72nd tour-level title on hard courts, breaking his tie with Federer for the most in the Open Era. Musetti, meanwhile, absorbed his sixth consecutive defeat in an ATP Tour final, a painful setback made sharper by missing out on a potential Turin debut.
Djokovic now trails only Jimmy Connors (109) and Federer (103) on the all-time titles leaderboard and has lifted trophies in an astonishing 20 different countries. His Athens win also made him the oldest ATP champion since 1990 at 38 years, 5 months, surpassing Gael Monfils’ 2025 Auckland mark. For context, Federer’s last title in Basel (2019) came at 38 years, 2 months.
The result settles the season’s final ATP Finals berth. Musetti finishes 2025 ranked No. 9, allowing Felix Auger-Aliassime to qualify for Turin. Djokovic is already qualified but has yet to commit, firmly dismissing rumors that he had confirmed his appearance. “I don’t know where he got that information from,” Djokovic said, referring to Italian federation chief Angelo Binaghi. “Definitely not from me or my team. I will decide at the end of this tournament.”
Whether he plays Turin or not, history continues to bend toward Djokovic, as the chase for Federer’s 103 draws ever closer.
Mandatory Image Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
nfl 
mma 
