Djoko wins Athens title, then ditches Turin Finals

Novak Djokovic knocked Lorenzo Musetti from contention for the ATP Finals with a title win at the inaugural Athens ATP event on Saturday but left his own plans for a possible year-end appearance a complete mystery.

The 38-year-old Serb lifted his 101st Tour title, defeating Musetti 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 thanks to a final break in the penultimate game with a drop shot gone wrong from the Italian.

Musetti needed to win the Greek title at the event run by Djokovic’s family in order to guarantee a place at the Finals which start on Sunday in Turin..

Musetti suffered another heartbreak as he lost his sixth consecutive final.

The dramatic Greek final was a roller-coaster for both protagonists, with 13 break points and five breaks of serve in the third set.

World NO. 5 Djokovic, winner of 24 Grand Slam trophies, collected his 72nd ATP title on hardcourt, levelling with Roger Federer.

The exhausted winner called his victory ‘an incredible battle… Three hours of a gruelling match, physically.

“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.”

Djokovic long ago qualified for the Turin wrapup but never committed to the event.

Musetti slipped in as eighth in the Turin field after late confirmation that Djokovic will skip the season wrapup event in Italy.

He will be the second home player in the field after world No. 2 and defending champion Jannik Sinner.

“Novak, there are not many words to say about you and your career,” said Musetti to Djokovic after losing his ninth match in 10 meetings with the Master.

“You are proving, still at your age, that you can kick us, like me today. Everytime I share the court with you, I take it as a lesson, so thanks for that.”