ATP Tour

Djokovic wins 101st title in Athens after three-hour thriller vs. Musetti

Novak Djokovic captured his 101st career title in dramatic fashion on Saturday at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship in Athens, where he overcame Lorenzo Musetti in an absorbing three-hour clash.

The 38-year-old Serbian left it all on the court in a gutsy 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory in the final, which featured 13 break points and five breaks of serve in the deciding set alone. With his 72nd tour-level title on hard courts, Djokovic also cut his tie with Roger Federer for the most in the Open Era.

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.”

Musetti needed to capture the title to leapfrog Felix Auger-Aliassime into the final qualification spot for the Nitto ATP Finals. However, following Djokovic's withdrawal, it was confirmed that the Italian will compete at the season finale in Turin for the first time.

Both players were pushed to their physical limits across the match, but particularly during the final set. For Musetti, it was heartbreak as he fell to his sixth consecutive defeat in an ATP Tour final. He captured his first two titles back in 2022 in Hamburg and Naples.

“Novak, there are not many words to say about you and your career,” said Musetti, who now trails Djokovic 1-9 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series. “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.”