Key Highlights
- Novak Djokovic advances to the final of the Hellenic Championship after defeating Yannick Hanfmann.
- Djokovic praised the Telekom Center Athens, calling it “one of the top three” venues he has ever played in.
- The Serb will face Lorenzo Musetti in Saturday’s final after Musetti defeated Sebastian Korda.
Tennis Titan: Djokovic’s Triumph in Athens
Novak Djokovic, the world-renowned tennis star, secured his place in the Hellenic Championship final with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 victory over Yannick Hanfmann. This triumph marks Djokovic’s third consecutive win against the German, underscoring his tactical adaptability and mental fortitude on the court.
The match, which lasted an hour and nineteen minutes, saw Djokovic navigate through Hanfmann’s powerful serving game and aggressive play. Despite falling behind in the second set with a 3-1 deficit, Djokovic maintained his composure, breaking serve to secure the victory. His resilience and focus were evident as he described, “I was a break down in the second set, 3-1, but held my composure, didn’t allow myself to be too negative, I guess, and it resulted positively for me.”
Telekom Center Athens: A Home Away from Home
Djokovic’s performance was not only a testament to his skills but also highlighted the exceptional quality of the Telekom Center Athens. The venue has quickly become a favorite among players and fans alike, with its intimate yet electrifying atmosphere. Djokovic described it as “one of the top three” venues he had ever played in, praising the arena’s excellent sightlines, top-class facilities, and vibrant energy.
He expressed gratitude to the supporters who had filled up the amazing stadium: “Thank you for your support and for filling up this amazing stadium again.
It’s such a great venue to have a tournament, honestly. It’s the third match I’ve played on Centre Court, but every time I walk out, I’m amazed.”
Looking Ahead to Saturday’s Final
Djokovic will now face Lorenzo Musetti in the final, following his 6-0, 5-7, 7-5 victory over Sebastian Korda. The Serbian top seed is set to contest his 19th ATP 250 final since 2009, with a record of 13 wins and one loss at this level. His last defeat came three years ago in the Serbia Open.
“I think it was the best tennis I’ve played this tournament, definitely, it came at the right time,” Djokovic added, reflecting on his performance. “Lorenzo Musetti is a tough opponent to face, but I am looking forward to the challenge and aiming for my 101st career title in Athens.”
Djokovic’s pursuit of another trophy adds to his remarkable career, with eyes already set on the first Grand Slam of 2026. The Australian Open will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and Discovery+, where winning a 25th major remains a primary goal.
