Novak Djokovic extended his extraordinary late-career revival with a record-setting triumph at the Athens Open, claiming the 101st ATP title of a career that continues to redefine longevity in men’s tennis. The 38-year-old Serbian fought back from a set down to defeat Lorenzo Musetti 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, becoming only the third man in history to cross the 100-title threshold after Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors.
The victory delivered several landmarks at once. It marked Djokovic’s 72nd title on hard courts, surpassing Federer’s long-standing record of 71, and making him the most successful hard-court player in the Open Era. It also established him as the oldest ATP champion in almost five decades, since Ken Rosewall’s title run in Hong Kong in 1977.
Djokovic, who has built a career on engineering comebacks, relied on experience and patience to subdue Musetti. After dropping the opening set, he tightened his baseline length, dictated with his cross-court forehand, and gradually wore down the 23-year-old Italian. The final two sets produced some of his most controlled tennis of the season, capped by a decisive break at 5-5 in the third.
This latest milestone adds to a résumé already regarded as the most complete in the sport’s history. He owns 24 Grand Slam titles, 38 Masters 1000 crowns, and has spent more weeks at No. 1 than any player before him. His ability to extend his physical and competitive peak has remained one of the defining features of his late thirties, even as the sport has grown younger, quicker, and more power-driven.
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With 101 titles, Djokovic is now two short of Federer and eight behind Connors’ all-time record of 109. On current form, both targets appear within reach. Athens was his third tour-level title of the season and came after another consistent run marked by deep finishes in Grand Slams and Masters tournaments.
The victory also reinforces his status as one of the fittest athletes in the modern game. Djokovic’s rigorous training methods, emphasis on recovery, and disciplined scheduling have become central to his continued dominance. “His longevity, physical conditioning, and mental toughness continue to defy age and expectations,” the ATP noted, reflecting the broader sentiment across the tennis world.
For Musetti, the final offered valuable lessons against one of the sport’s greatest match managers. The Italian’s early aggression troubled Djokovic, but once the Serbian found rhythm, experience proved decisive.
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