Djokovic powers into Athens final, eyes 101st career title

Athens

Djokovic powers into Athens final, eyes 101st career title

Former World No. 1 to face Musetti or Korda in Saturday's final

Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship

Novak Djokovic improves to 3-0 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Yannick Hanfmann. By Jerome Coombe

Novak Djokovic ensured his debut week on Greek soil will end on the grandest stage at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship in Athens, where he sealed his spot in the final on Friday.

The 38-year-old Serbian overcame a brief mid-match stumble and fed off an electric crowd to secure a 6-3, 6-4 semi-final victory over German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann. Although Djokovic surrendered his serve for the first time this week in the second set, he swiftly reasserted control to maintain his flawless 30-0 record in 2025 after winning the opening set.

“Thank you for filling out this amazing stadium again,” Djokovic said to the crowd. “It’s my third match on centre court, but every time I walk out I’m amazed. 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 his 79-minute victory, Djokovic improved to 3-0 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Hanfmann, having rallied past the German in Shanghai last month. Now into his 144th tour-level final — and third of the season — Djokovic awaits Lorenzo Musetti or Sebastian Korda in Saturday’s final.

Djokovic, the former No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, also snapped a four-match semi-final losing streak, having fallen short at the penultimate hurdle at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the US Open and Shanghai.

“I think it was the best tennis I’ve played this tournament,” Djokovic added. “It came at the right time. Hanfmann poses a great threat because he serves big, has a big game, so I needed to really stay focused. I was a break down in the second, but I held my composure. I’m very excited for the final.”

With a championship-match victory, Djokovic would lift his 101st tour-level trophy — and crown a remarkable first professional visit to Greece, where he now resides. He owns a 38-11 record on the season, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

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