Novak Djokovic showcased his stellar form by advancing to the final of the ATP event in Athens, defeating Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann with a score of 6-3, 6-4 on Friday. This victory marks a significant moment for the 38-year-old Serbian, who completed the match in just 79 minutes, despite dropping serve for only the second time in the entire tournament.
In a post-match interview, Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “I think it was the best tennis I’ve played this tournament. It came at the right time.” He acknowledged Hanfmann’s formidable game, highlighting the need for focus against a player capable of serving powerfully.
This win also allowed Djokovic to break a four-match semi-final losing streak, a run that included recent disappointments at prestigious tournaments such as Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the US Open, and Shanghai. His last semi-final win was in May at the Geneva clay-court event, where he secured his 100th career singles title, trailing only behind tennis legends Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors in total titles won.
Throughout the match, Djokovic demonstrated his ability to respond under pressure. Although he initially missed a chance to break Hanfmann’s serve at 2-1 in the first set, he quickly regained momentum, breaking serve at 3-2 and securing the opening set 6-3. The second set saw Djokovic momentarily lose serve at 2-1 but quickly leveled the score at 3-3. He regained control by breaking Hanfmann again, ultimately holding serve to claim victory amid a vibrant and supportive crowd.
Djokovic expressed gratitude to the fans, stating, “Thank you for filling out this amazing stadium again. I’ve played in some of the most beautiful indoor arenas in the world, but I can definitely say this is one of the top three I’ve ever played in.” With this momentum, Djokovic is set to face either American Sebastian Korda or Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the final, with Musetti facing high stakes to secure a spot at the ATP Finals in Turin.
This victory reflects Djokovic’s enduring prowess on the court, and his continued dedication to the sport helps inspire both existing and upcoming players in the tennis community.