Novak Djokovic is the champion in Athens! The 38-year-old faced Lorenzo Musetti in the title clash and prevailed 4-6, 6-3, 7-5in two hours and 59minutes to lift his second ATP trophy of the season.
Athens is Novak's 101st ATP title, placing him two behind Roger Federer ahead of the new season. The veteran spent a lot of energy in the final, and it should be interesting to follow his decision about competing at the ATP Finals.
Lorenzo needed to beat Novak to pass Felix Auger-Aliassime and enter the premium ATP event. However, if the Serb withdraws, the Italian will make his debut at the ATP Finals in front of the home fans.
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The Italian served well in the opening set and grabbed an early break in the third game. He served well in the remaining games and held at 5-4 to move closer to the title and his goal.
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They served well in the first seven games of the second set. Djokovic finally clinched a break in game eight for 5-3 and saved a break point in the next one to wrap up the set and force a decider.
It lasted for over an hour, with the two rivals giving everything to prevail. Novak led 3-1 before dropping serve in game six to keep his rival in contention. The Serb broke again in game seven but failed to bring the victory home on serve at 5-4.
Musetti pulled the break back to extend the duel before falling on the fourth break point at 5-5. Novak served for the win for the second time at 6-5 and held at love to seal the deal and celebrate the title.
