Hellenic Championship: It’s ‘hard’ to beat this Djoko feat!

Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after his win over Lorenzo Musetti in Athens on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images

Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the ATP Finals for the second year in a row, shortly after beating Lorenzo Musetti in a near three-hour final to win the Hellenic Championship.

Djokovic said a shoulder injury would prevent him from playing in the season-ending event for the top eight men's players that began on Sunday in Turin, Italy.

"I'm sad to share that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury," Djokovic said in a post on social media.

The decision means Musetti will take his place, even though his loss to Djokovic initially handed the final qualifying spot to Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Djokovic has won the ATP Finals seven times but the 24-time Grand Slam champion also missed the tournament last year because of an injury.

On Saturday, the Serb rallied for a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Musetti to clinch his 101st career title.

The 38-year-old Djokovic also set a men's record with his 72nd title on hard courts, one more than Roger Federer. "An incredible battle," Djokovic said after the match.

"Three hours of a grueling 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."

The last set featured five breaks, before Djokovic clinched the victory with a service winner. Musetti has now lost his last six tour-level finals.

It was Djokovic's second title of 2025, having won on the clay of Geneva in May. "Novak, there are not many words to say about you and your career," said Musetti, who fell to 1-9 against Djokovic.

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

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