Djokovic finishes the season in style
During his extraordinary career, Novak Djokovic has collected 24 Grand Slam titles, 7 ATP Finals crowns, 40 Masters 1000 trophies and an Olympic gold medal. With such a record – the most complete in the Open Era – his latest ATP 250 title might seem like a footnote. But it is not.
For one thing, the man who has spent a record 428 weeks at the top of the rankings now resides just outside Athens and has just won a tournament on “home” soil, directed by none other than his brother, Djordje. Beyond the symbol, the victory was historic in its own right: Djokovic claimed his 72nd career title on hard courts, equalling Roger Federer’s record, and his 101st overall, moving within two trophies of the Swiss (103) and eight of Jimmy Connors (109).
Most importantly, he fought tooth and nail to earn it. In a thrilling, near three-hour battle, the 38-year-old overcame the world No.9 (4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in 2h59). “An incredible battle… Three hours of a gruelling match, physically,” Djokovic said afterward. “It could have been anybody’s match, so congrats to Lorenzo for an amazing performance. I’m just very proud of myself to get through this one.”