Novak Djokovic claimed his 101st career title on Saturday at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship in Athens, defeating Lorenzo Musetti in a demanding three-hour final. Despite the triumph, Djokovic later announced that he would not participate in the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin due to an ongoing shoulder injury—a major development in the ATP season that opens the door for Musetti to take his place at the year-end event.

Djokovic’s victory, his 72nd on hard courts, also gave him sole possession of the most tour-level hard-court titles in the Open Era, breaking his tie with Roger Federer. The Athens final delivered a tense, high-quality contest, with Djokovic rallying from a set down to overcome Musetti 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

In a match featuring 13 break points and five service breaks in the deciding set, the Serbian veteran dug deep to prevail. “An incredible battle – three hours of a gruelling match, physically,” Djokovic said after the win. “It could have been anybody’s match, so congrats to Lorenzo for an amazing performance. I’m just very proud of myself to get through this one.”

Djokovic’s triumph at age 38 also denied Musetti a chance to qualify for the ATP Finals by ranking, as the Italian needed to win the Athens title to surpass Felix Auger-Aliassime for the final spot. Seeded No. 1, Djokovic once again reinforced his reputation as one of the game’s most consistent competitors, extending his storied legacy with career title No. 101.

Novak Djokovic clinched his 101st career title at the Athens Open, defeating Lorenzo Musetti in a thrilling three-hour final. This victory added another major milestone to his illustrious career as he became the oldest ATP champion and surpassed records held by other tennis greats. However, shortly after this significant win, Djokovic withdrew from the ATP Finals due to an injury, which has raised concerns about his fitness for upcoming tournaments. His withdrawal leaves the ATP Finals without one of its top contenders, reshaping the competition dynamics. Djokovic expressed pride in his achievement but emphasized the importance of recovery before continuing his season.

Additional news around Novak Djokovic’s recent achievements and situation includes:

  • Djokovic’s 101st title win in Athens marked his 20th ATP Masters 1000 victory, tying him with Rafael Nadal for the most Masters titles in history.

  • The final match was a tightly contested battle lasting over three hours, showcasing Djokovic’s endurance and skill despite his ongoing physical challenges.

  • His withdrawal from the ATP Finals is attributed to a leg injury sustained during the Athens tournament, which has been a recurring issue this season.

  • Federer and Nadal have publicly congratulated Djokovic on surpassing the 100-title milestone, highlighting the era-defining competition among the “Big Three” in tennis.

  • Djokovic’s absence spells opportunity for rising stars and other top players at the ATP Finals to capitalize and potentially claim the prestigious year-end title.

  • Djokovic remains optimistic about a strong comeback for the Australian Open and other key tournaments scheduled next year, prioritizing rehabilitation.

This broader context underscores Djokovic’s ongoing impact on tennis and the ripple effects of his injury on the ATP tour