Why has Djokovic's pursuit of his 101st career title suddenly become such a major topic in the tennis world?

After the 38-year-old giant Djokovic and the 23-year-old Italian Musetti faced off in the Athens 250 final, this matter immediately became a hot topic among three factions in the tennis circle!

The first group paying attention is, of course, the fans of the Serbian king, all wanting to see if Djokovic’s quest for his 101st career title has a chance!

Djokovic was recently recognized as being nearest to his 101st title at this year’s Shanghai Masters! With Alcaraz withdrawing before the match due to injury, and top players like Sinner and Zverev exiting the draw early, the Serbian king was the favorite to claim the championship at that time.

Everyone was waiting for Djokovic to achieve this feat in Shanghai, hoping to share a perfect night with the 38-year-old giant. But no one expected an unexpected twist: Djokovic ultimately lost to the weather in Shanghai and left empty-handed.

When Djokovic once again came so close to this milestone in Athens, some fans and netizens openly said that since the family moved to Athens, he has called it home. They wonder if this time, playing on "home turf," he can fulfill his wish and secure his 101st career title, prompting everyone to celebrate with fireworks for the veteran Djokovic.

The second group concerned about this matter is undoubtedly the fans of Canada’s cool young player, Auger-Aliassime.

After Auger-Aliassime suffered a heavy defeat to Sinner in the Paris Masters final, Canadian supporters felt disappointed that their idol had not yet secured a spot at the Turin year-end championships.

Later, when Auger-Aliassime withdrew from all competitions this week due to physical issues, Canada completely lost the initiative in the race for the final Turin year-end championship spot against Musetti.

Therefore, as Djokovic entered the Athens 250 final in increasingly good form to compete against Musetti for the title, Canadian fans aligned themselves with Djokovic’s supporters in an unspoken alliance, hoping the Serbian king would decisively defeat the Italian and claim the championship. Because if Djokovic stops Musetti from winning, Auger-Aliassime would secure the last spot at the Turin finals effortlessly. Considering these stakes, they had every reason to back Djokovic’s bid for his 101st title in Athens.

The third group deeply invested in this issue is Musetti’s supporters!

With the competition between Musetti and Auger-Aliassime for the final Turin year-end championship spot reaching a fever pitch, they naturally hope the Italian can beat Djokovic and win the title. Otherwise, Musetti would become a backup player, sitting on the bench in Turin, with any chance to play depending on luck and possible withdrawals.

Rather than passively leaving their fate in others’ hands, they prefer to boldly challenge Djokovic while the opportunity is within reach, hoping to snatch this incredible fortune.

However, when predicting Musetti’s chances of defeating Djokovic to win the title, many believe the Italian’s hopes are slim.

Looking at their head-to-head record, Djokovic and Musetti had met nine times before Athens, with the Serbian king leading 8-1. Although Djokovic has no age advantage, netizens describe his psychological edge as overwhelming and enough to discourage Musetti.

Regarding their hunger for the title, although the Athens 250 is not a high-level championship, both Djokovic and Musetti surely desire this trophy.

This is the first time this tournament has been held in Athens since Djokovic relocated there this year. If Djokovic wins this title, the significance behind it is different. Moreover, it would increase his total championship count to 101, adding a brilliant chapter to his illustrious career. The giant surely won’t miss this opportunity easily. Besides, he is the clear favorite to win and certainly won’t disappoint the massive support behind him, giving his all.

Musetti’s motivation for this title is simple: to secure the last ticket to the Turin year-end finals. This will push the Italian to give his all against the 38-year-old giant at this critical moment, hoping to achieve his goal.

The bookmakers’ odds for this high-profile battle also reflect public sentiment, with Djokovic favored at 1 to 1.44 over Musetti’s 1 to 2.75, backing the Serbian king to triumph in the end.

This key match will start at 11 PM Beijing time tonight. Will the heavily favored Djokovic celebrate another victory, or will Musetti win the title and joyfully secure the last spot at the Turin year-end championships? Stay tuned!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moonlit Starry Sky)