Djokovic’s 101st Title: A Vintage Encore in Athens

Djokovic Clinches 101st Title in Athens

Novak Djokovic, aged 38 years and five months, won his 101st career title at the Athens Open (ATP 250), defeating Lorenzo Musetti in a marathon final that lasted roughly three hours with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 scoreline.

The Serb, previously World No. 1, extended his Majors-like consistency by sweeping past Musetti to claim a milestone title while narrowing the gap to Federer’s 103 and Connors’ 109 all-time records.

With this victory, Djokovic becomes one of the oldest winners on the tour in recent memory, and the oldest since Ken Rosewall won in Hong Kong in 1977 at 43. His last title before Athens had been in Geneva in May, a 250-point triumph that preceded this week’s triumph.

Head-to-head supremacy continued as Djokovic improved to 9-1 against Musetti across ten meetings, a result that also kept the Italian from securing a Turin Masters berth at the year-end event in the Italian city.

Djokovic had already qualified for Turin long before the final, but his participation remained a matter of suspense until the last moment as the year-end field was being finalized.

The Athens event’s relocation from Belgrade—announced by the ATP in August—was noted as a scheduling development without a detailed rationale, while Djokovic’s presence in Greece was widely covered, including appearances with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during the summer.

Meanwhile, Djokovic’s year in Serbia carried political undertones, with his public support for students protesting the government, a stance that drew both praise and scrutiny at home.

The Century Crown

The Geneva title had already marked Djokovic’s 100th ATP Tour crown, and Athens pushed him further into historic territory as he became only the third Open Era player to reach 101 titles, following Connors (109) and Federer (103). He also continued a strong Grand Slam run, reaching the semis in Australia, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open this season, another sustained indicator of his longevity.

Djokovic added a finalist appearance at the Miami Masters and a semifinal at Shanghai to his achievements, continuing a prolific run across the season.

Records and Finals

Djokovic’s current streak includes eight straight appearances at the year-end ATP Finals in Turin, a run dating back to 2007 with only 2017 missed due to injury. The Nitto ATP Finals are scheduled for November 9–16 at the Pala Alpitour in Turin.

Riyadh Detour and an Apology

Djokovic withdrew from the third-place match in the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh after losing the opening set in a tiebreak, and Taylor Fritz claimed a landmark victory against him in this event. Djokovic apologized, saying the first set was grueling and that he hoped fans would welcome him back next year if he remained part of the tour.

Health concerns—exhaustion and humidity in Shanghai, including an on-court moment of vomiting—were cited as factors in a testing stretch for the Serbian superstar, who remains deeply competitive on every surface.

Fritz echoed the sentiment on the court conditions, noting the slow, laborious nature of the rallies in Riyadh. Djokovic’s response after the match underscored a blend of resilience and humor as he looked ahead to the rest of the season.

Back to Turin

With the ATP Final looming, Djokovic’s current form suggests he’ll be a strong contender to defend or extend his Masters Cup legacy, even as rivals chase the last available spots in Turin. The season’s late surge keeps his career arc as one of sport’s most enduring narratives.