ATP Athens: Djokovic rallies to defeat Musetti, claiming his 101st title

On November 8 local time, the 2025 ATP 250 Athens tournament reached its final day. Top seed Djokovic fought for 2 hours and 59 minutes, narrowly defeating second seed Musetti 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to claim his 101st career title, marking him as the oldest singles champion on tour since 1990. In doubles, second seeds Cabral and Midler overturned third seeds S. Gonzalez and Per to win the title 4-6, 6-3, 10-3.

Djokovic

Before this match, Djokovic led their head-to-head 8-1 in nine encounters. This match was crucial for Musetti’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP year-end finals for the first time. Musetti started strong, breaking serve in the third game and taking the first set 6-4. The second set saw both players hold serve through the first seven games, but Djokovic broke and held to win 6-3 and level the match. The deciding set was fiercely contested; Djokovic broke twice but was immediately broken back both times. In the eleventh game, he seized his third break opportunity and then served out the match by winning four consecutive points in the final game.

During the trophy ceremony, Djokovic emotionally said: “I want to thank the people of Greece, the people of Athens, for coming here to support this event, to support tennis, to support sport. This is the first ATP tournament in Greece in over 30 years. Honestly, this week felt like the tournament never left, as if it’s held here every year. You are amazing, thank you so much. This week has been very special for me because all my family and friends are here. The people closest to me are in the arena right now. Playing here feels like being at home, and it’s you who make me feel this way.”

Djokovic’s path to the title

First round: bye

Second round: 7-6(3), 6-1 vs. Tabillo

Quarterfinal: 7-6(1), 6-4 vs. Borges [6]

Semifinal: 6-3, 6-4 vs. Hanfmann [Q]

Final: 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 vs. Musetti [2]

Djokovic’s victory secured the final spot at the ATP year-end finals for Aliassime. However, Aliassime later withdrew due to a shoulder injury, allowing Musetti to replace him in the Jimmy Connors group and make his debut at the finals, with Bublyk becoming the first alternate. The ATP Finals will start tonight Beijing time, with singles matches Alcaraz vs. Deminal in the Jimmy Connors group and Zverev vs. Shelton in the Bjorn Borg group kicking off the event.

In a statement, Djokovic said: “I was really looking forward to competing in Turin and giving my best, but after today’s final in Athens, I regret to announce that I must withdraw due to injury. To the fans hoping to see me play, I am deeply sorry; your support means a lot to me. I wish all the players the best of luck, and I can’t wait to return to the court and reunite with everyone!”

(Text and editing by Dato, photos courtesy of Visual China)