Following an epic three-hour championship match, 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic came through against world No. 9 Lorenzo Musetti with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 triumph at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship final.
After such a memorable encounter, the Serbian outlined: “An incredible battle. Three hours of a gruelling match, physically.”
“It could have been anybody’s match, so congrats to Lorenzo for an amazing performance. I am just very proud of myself for getting through this one.”
A stellar return to official tennis competition on Greek soil saw one of the best athletes in the world reach a new career milestone, breaking the tie with Roger Federer for most hard-court titles in the Open Era (72), a first in the country.
The Italian player set off a physical, high-level encounter by striking first with a break in the third game of the opening set.
Staying dominant behind his service - won 76 percent of the points on his first serve and 73 percent on his second delivery - he pocketed the first set 6-4 in 48 minutes at the Telekom Center Athens.
It marked a confidence-boosting start of the final for the second seed, competing for the title while aiming to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals.
However, the 38-year-old made good use of his bright tennis IQ, bringing his A-game to flip the script with a flawless display, missing just three points on his own serve.
On his way, he fended off a late challenge by the two-time ATP titlist, converting a clinical break in the eighth game before closing out 6-3 with an ace, forcing a decider.
The third act of an outstanding tennis showdown saw both players rise to the occasion, leaving their best on the court.
There’s no shot they didn’t execute, no line they left unpainted, and no risk they didn’t take in breathtaking baseline exchanges; the crowd celebrated from the stands of a packed stadium in Athens.
Djokovic, competing on his 144th tour-level final, converted the first break in the third game and held to move up 3-1.
After a massive trade of breaks exchanged, which left them literally breathless, the Belgrade native pulled ahead 5-3.
Nonetheless, the lead would be short-lived as the best was yet to come in a contest where the emotions and signs of fatigue found no place to hide.
Musetti, 23, held his nerve when the former world No. 1 served for the match, breaking for five all in the third set.
After breaking straight back in the 11th game and in his fourth attempt, Djokovic went on and held to love, taking an 88-minute set 7-5 and the match, beating an opponent 15 years his junior in dramatic style.
During the trophy ceremony, Musetti addressed the new champion, saying, “Novak, there are not many words to say about you and your career. You are proving, still at your age, that you can kick us, like me, today.
“Every time I share the court with you, I take it as a lesson, so thanks for that.”
Overall, the Olympic gold medalist hit 35 winners to 27 unforced errors, converted 4 of 10 break point opportunities, and won 70 percent of the points on his first serve at the ATP 250 tournament.
As a result of finishing runner-up in Athens, Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime has notched the last spot available for the year-ending competition in Turin, where he will make his second appearance next week.
But despite losing in the final, Musetti will make his maiden appearance at the prestigious venue, replacing Djokovic, who announced his withdrawal through social media, citing a shoulder injury.
“I was really looking forward to competing in Turin and giving my best, but after today’s final in Athens, I’m sad to share that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury,” he wrote on his Instagram account.
“I’m truly sorry to the fans who were hoping to see me play. Your support means so much. I wish all the players an amazing tournament, and I can’t wait to be back on the court with you all soon!”
World No. 13 Alexander Bublik will enter the exclusive field as the first alternate.