Novak Djokovic continues to defy time at 38. The legendary Serb conquered the ATP 250 event in Athens last week, notching his 101st ATP title and moving closer to Roger Federer's 103.
At 38 years and five months, Novak became the third-oldest winner of an ATP title in the Open era, passing Gael Monfils and joining Pancho Gonzales and Ken Rosewall on the exclusive list.
The American and the Aussie collected many age record during the 1970s, although we have to underline how different the sport looked five decades ago, especially in the physical department.
Like the famous veterans from the past, Novak is still capable of challenging the rivals from the top long after blowing 38 candles on the birthday cake in May in Geneva.
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The timeless champion claimed two ATP titles in 2025 and almost secured another year-end top-5 run despite a reduced schedule and the ATP Finals withdrawal.
While not chasing records anymore, Djokovic gave everything to prepare for the ATP 250 event in Athens, with his family running the tournament. The 24-time Major winner got a rare chance to perform in front of his entire family.
They came to Athens to support him, and the home crowd backed him as well, with Novak living in Athens since September. The 38-year-old defeated Alejandro Tabilo and Nuno Borges for a place in the semi-final.
Djokovic ousted Yannick Hanfmann following his best display of the week and booked a place in his 144th ATP final. There, he faced Lorenzo Musetti, who chased the title and a spot at the ATP Finals.
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The two rivals through everything at each other, with the 38-year-old prevailing 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 after three hours. The Italian fought well and gave everything to lift his first ATP title in over three years.
He played well in the opener and claimed it with a single break. Novak responded in the second set and clinched a break at 4-3 following an incredible point that gave the crowd something to cheer about.
The Serb had a chance to seal the deal earlier in the decider. However, Musetti survived and locked the result at 5-5. Djokovic used his vast experience and secured another break in game 11.
He made no mistakes on serve at 6-5, sealing the deal in style and becoming the third-oldest ATP champion in the Open era.
