Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Finals for the second consecutive year, shortly after clinching a grueling win over Lorenzo Musetti at the Hellenic Championship in Athens.
The 38-year-old Serb also set a new hardcourt milestone with the victory.
Djokovic announced he would miss the ATP Finals, which begin Sunday in Turin, Italy, citing an ongoing shoulder injury. “I was really looking forward to competing in Turin and giving my best,” Djokovic wrote on social media. “But after today’s final in Athens, I’m sad to share that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury.”
This decision allows Lorenzo Musetti to take Djokovic’s spot, even though his loss initially handed the final qualifying position to Felix Auger-Aliassime. Djokovic revealed that he had been managing the injury throughout the Athens tournament and had hoped it would not flare up during the final.
Athens triumph amid injury
Despite the pain, Djokovic battled past Musetti in a nearly three-hour final, winning 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to claim his 101st career title. The match featured a tense third set with five service breaks, ending with Djokovic sealing the victory on a service winner.
“An incredible battle… physically grueling,” Djokovic said. “I’m just very proud of myself to get through this one.” Musetti, meanwhile, has now lost his last six tour-level finals.
Djokovic’s victory marked a historic achievement on hard courts. With 72 titles on hard surfaces, he surpassed Roger Federer’s previous record, while still trailing Federer’s 103 overall career titles and Jimmy Connors’ 109. He is one of only three men to have won 100 or more tour-level singles titles.
