Novak Djokovic continued to defy age and expectations on Saturday as the 38-year-old Serbian fought back to defeat Lorenzo Musetti 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 and win the Hellenic Championship, becoming the oldest ATP Tour champion in history, MySportDab Reports.
The victory also marked Djokovic’s 101st career title and a record-breaking 72nd title on hard courts, surpassing Roger Federer’s tally.
In what proved to be a gripping contest lasting two hours and 59 minutes, Djokovic was pushed to the brink by the 23-year-old Italian, who needed a win to secure the final qualification spot for the ATP Finals in Turin.
Musetti started strongly, taking the first set and breaking Djokovic for the first time on hard court in their meetings.
The Italian’s aggressive play and relentless groundstrokes had the top seed under pressure, but Djokovic showed why he remains one of the sport’s greatest competitors.
The Serbian responded in the second set with renewed intensity, producing spectacular defensive play, including a full-split stretch volley that drew roars from the crowd.
The decider delivered high drama as Djokovic served for the title at 5-4 only to be broken, appearing physically drained. Yet, as has been so often in his career, Djokovic found another gear.
He broke Musetti back immediately and sealed the championship with a composed final service game, collapsing in exhaustion before ripping his shirt in a jubilant celebration.
“It could have been anybody’s match,” Djokovic said afterward. “Lorenzo played incredibly well. I’m proud of how I managed to push through.”
The loss means Felix Auger-Aliassime claims the final ATP Finals spot. Djokovic now heads to Turin, where he joins a group including Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur, as he chases yet another title to cap his remarkable season.
