Top seed Novak Djokovic is playing his 199th ATP final against Yannick Hanfmann in Athens. The veteran is trying to remain on the course toward his second title of the season.
He enters the duel with a 2-0 lead over the German, having beaten him in Geneva last year and in Shanghai a couple of weeks ago. Djokovic defeated Alejandro Tabilo and Nuno Borges en route to the semi-final.
He is ready for another strong challenge from the other side of the net against the rival who took a set away from him in Shanghai last month. However, the veteran is the favorite to maintain his perfect record against the younger rival.
¡Primera semifinal de Atenas! 🍿🍿
🇷🇸 Djokovic y 🇩🇪 Hanfmann buscan un billete para luchar por el 🏆 en el ATP 250 griego.@TennisTV | #HellenicChampionship pic.twitter.com/E3kANMHyia
— ATP Tour en Español (@ATPTour_ES) November 7, 2025
Novak and Yannick met for the first time in May last year in Geneva on clay. The Serb scored a 6-3, 6-3 victory in an hour and a half. Despite sealing the deal in straight sets, Djokovic had to dig deep.
He saved ten of 11 break points and provided four breaks from nine chances to emerge at the top. The veteran broke his opponent in the sixth game of the duel and saved seven break points in the remaining two service games for 6-3.
Hanfmann led 3-1 in the second set before dropping five straight games to end on the losing side. Their most recent duel came at the Shanghai Masters in October.
Novak Djokovic, Athens 2025© Stream screenshot
Novak prevailed 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 after a grueling battle that lasted for over two and a half hours. Djokovic took 14 points more, although it was a tight battle with only six break chances and three breaks in total, one in each set.
Yannick served well in the opener and grabbed an early break for 6-4. They provided 11 fine holds in the second set before Novak stepped in and grabbed a break at 6-5 to wrap up the set and force a decider.
Djokovic served well in the final part of the duel and secured a break in the fourth game that carried him over the top.
