In a thrilling buildup to the inaugural Athens Championship final, top seeds Novak Djokovic and Lorenzo Musetti are on track to clash for the title, but both will need to overcome significant challenges in the semi-finals. On the horizon are matches against Yannick Hanfmann and Sebastian Korda, respectively, both of whom are eager to pull off an upset.
Lorenzo Musetti, the second seed and currently ranked ninth in the world, is eyeing a crucial victory that could catapult him back into the race for the Nitto ATP Finals. The 23-year-old Italian’s journey to the semi-finals has seen him prevail in hard-fought matches, including a dramatic comeback against Stan Wawrinka, where he was just two points from elimination, followed by a solid performance against Alexandre Muller. He faces 52nd-ranked American Sebastian Korda next, with their head-to-head record locked at 2-2. Korda has shown strength on indoor hard courts, winning both of their previous encounters played on this surface. However, Musetti’s evolution as a player over the past couple of years suggests he may have the upper hand this time, particularly with so much at stake. Expect Musetti to take a disciplined approach, ultimately winning in a fiercely contested three-set match.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, the top-seeded player and fifth in the world rankings, appears energized as he readsies himself for a potential final showdown. The 38-year-old has not played extensively since the U.S. Open, his only tournament appearance leading up to this event being the Shanghai Masters, where he reached the semifinals. In Athens, Djokovic has breezed through his first two matches, defeating Alejandro Tabilo and Nuno Borges in straight sets. Up next for him is Yannick Hanfmann, who, ranked 117th, has had a productive tournament, advancing from qualifying rounds to take out Ivan Ivanov, Vit Kopriva, and Marcos Giron. Despite Hanfmann performing well throughout the week, Djokovic has proven too formidable, winning both of their previous meetings. Expect Djokovic to maintain his dominance and secure a place in the final with a straight-set victory.
As the anticipation builds for these pivotal semi-final matches, fans are in for an exciting day of tennis that could set the stage for a spectacular championship clash in Athens.
