Is Musetti the only one happiest about Djokovic’s withdrawal from the Finals? Netizens say: Alcaraz too

No one anticipated that such a harshly competitive pro tennis scene would still allow a joyous, all-win scenario with no losers to unfold in Athens!

After Djokovic reached the final of this ATP 250 tournament, nearly everyone thought that if Musetti lost, he would probably break down in tears. Because failing to win the title would not only make his many hard days in Athens pointless but also force him to face another harsh reality: watching Alcaraz casually snatch the last spot for the year-end Finals from him.

Before the match, discussions among fans, netizens, and bookmakers overwhelmingly favored Djokovic, predicting that after this Athens 250 final, Djokovic would undoubtedly extend his head-to-head lead over the Italian to 9-1.

As the player bearing the most pressure in this match, Musetti’s strong start confirmed many people’s expectations—he was ready to fight Djokovic tooth and nail, going all out to try and pull off a big upset and change his previously pessimistic fate.

Musetti played exceptionally well and with great effort throughout the first set, ultimately securing it 6-4 by breaking serve just once, shifting all the pressure onto Djokovic.

Many viewers in the live chat admitted that if Musetti kept playing with such intensity, Djokovic’s bid for his 101st title might really be in jeopardy. They joked that when pushed to the brink, one’s inner drive can truly inspire a completely different version of oneself to emerge.

Just as everyone was eager to see if Musetti could continue his assault on Djokovic in the second set, possibly winning in straight sets to clinch the title and lock in the last year-end Finals spot, Djokovic showed his champion’s mettle at the critical moment, taking the second set 6-3 to even the match.

Before the decisive final set began, Musetti’s confidence in the live chat plummeted back to near zero, just like before the match.

Many bluntly said that after Djokovic quickly stabilized and raised his level in the second set, unless the Serbian star made a major mistake himself, it would be extremely difficult for Musetti to keep Djokovic from claiming his 101st title in the deciding set.

Djokovic performed exactly as predicted. Despite Musetti’s all-out effort to seize control, the Serbian king gave no chances. In their intense battle, Djokovic capitalized on a dip in Musetti’s form to break serve and close the match 7-5, crushing the Italian’s hopes of winning Athens and overtaking Alcaraz in the year-end Finals race.

When Musetti shook hands with Djokovic after the match, viewers immediately commented that even if the Italian didn’t cry, his face must have been gloomy the whole time—fighting hard but still losing to Djokovic and missing out on the Turin Finals was heartbreaking, so naturally, his mood wouldn’t be good.

However, surprisingly, Musetti smiled!

Later, it became clear that when Djokovic shook hands with Musetti at the net, he had already informed him that he would withdraw from the year-end Finals race. This meant that even if Musetti finished runner-up and lost to the relaxed Alcaraz in the final competition, it wouldn’t stop him from appearing in the main event.

Djokovic’s decision after winning in Athens truly transformed this sorrowful championship battle into a joyous, harmonious finale with no disappointment, becoming one of the most memorable moments in ATP history—an incredibly heartwarming scene.

After the match, some said without a doubt the happiest person was Musetti, as his joy during the trophy ceremony was almost palpable through the screen.

But others argued that the happiest were not just Musetti, but also Alcaraz, because Djokovic’s withdrawal from the Finals greatly reduced the troubles for the Spaniard reclaiming the world No.1 spot, boosting his hopes significantly.

Before Djokovic confirmed his withdrawal, many believed that with the Serbian star in the indoor tournament, it would be tough for Alcaraz to advance undefeated from the group stage. Failing that would put him at a disadvantage in the battle for No.1 against Sinner, and any semifinal slip-up would leave his fate in others’ hands.

Now that Musetti replaces Djokovic’s spot, netizens describe Alcaraz’s chances of advancing from the group stage at the Finals as smooth sailing. His group opponents Fritz, Deminor, and Musetti are no match for the Spaniard, brightening his prospects of competing for the No.1 ranking.

Djokovic’s withdrawal instantly eased the pressure on Alcaraz in the race for world No.1. From this perspective alone, the Spaniard certainly has every reason to be the second happiest person!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moon River Starry Sky)