Novak Djokovic makes big statement about the main stadium at the Hellenic Championship after reaching the final

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Novak Djokovic is into his third final of the season, on debut in Athens.

Taking down German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, Djokovic booked his place in Saturday’s Hellenic Championship final.

There, he will meet Lorenzo Musetti or Sebastian Korda, with the pair set to contest their semifinal match later on Friday evening.

Playing in front of his new ‘home’ crowd, Djokovic has enjoyed his time in Athens, winning his first three matches without dropping a single set.

Finding his groove at the ‘Telekom Center Athens’, Djokovic shared his thoughts on the stadium during his post-match interview.

Novak Djokovic says the ‘Telekom Center Athens’ is a top-three arena he’s played in

Following his latest win in the Greek capital, Djokovic gave a glowing review of the main 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,” he said.

“It’s the third match I’ve played on Centre Court, but every time I walk out, I’m amazed.

“I’ve played in some of the most beautiful and biggest arenas in the world, but this is definitely in the top three I’ve ever played on.

“You [the fans] make it very special.”

Djokovic then gave his assessment of the match itself, where he delivered another clinical performance.

“I think it was the best tennis I’ve played this tournament, definitely, it came at the right time,” he said.

“Honestly, I knew [Yannick] Hanfmann causes a great threat, because he’s a very tall player, who serves very big, has big shots, a big game, very aggressive, and takes the ball very early, very flat, so it takes the time away from his opponent, so I needed to stay focused all the way through.

“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. 

“All in all, very content with my performance.”

The Serbian legend can’t wait for the final, where he’ll look to win his 101st career title.

“Looking forward to tomorrow’s final,” said Djokovic.

“I invite everybody to come back tomorrow, let’s make this stadium full and enjoy tennis.”

Djokovic will contest his 19th ATP 250 final on Saturday, but what’s his record like at the lowest tier of ATP tournaments?

How many ATP 250 titles has Novak Djokovic won?

The 38-year-old is 13-5 in ATP 250 finals, and has only lost one since 2009.

Novak Djokovic’s ATP 250 final defeats

• 2006 Croatia Open F [LOSS] vs Stan Wawrinka
• 2008 Queen’s F [LOSS] vs Rafael Nadal
• 2008 Thailand Open F [LOSS] vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
• 2009 Halle Open F [LOSS] vs Tommy Haas
• 2022 Serbia Open F [LOSS] vs Andrey Rublev

His most recent ATP 250 final defeat came at the hands of Russia’s Andrey Rublev three years ago, when he lost at the Serbia Open.

Looking to pick up a big win on home soil, Djokovic came up short in three sets, 2-6, 7-6, 0-6.

He’ll no doubt hope to produce a better performance when he takes to the court in Athens for Saturday’s final.

Novak Djokovic’s head-to-head record against Lorenzo Musetti and Sebastian Korda

Djokovic has only played two career matches against Korda and has yet to taste defeat against the American.

• 2025 Miami Open QF – Novak Djokovic defeated Sebastian Korda (6-3, 7-6)
• 2023 Adelaide 1 F – Novak Djokovic defeated Sebastian Korda (6-7, 7-6, 6-4)

He has, however, met his other potential opponent, Musetti, several times.

The pair have contested nine ATP Tour matches, as Djokovic leads their head-to-head, 8-1.

Only time will tell if Djokovic can extend his winning record against Korda or Musetti should they meet in the final.

The 2025 Hellenic Championship final will take place on Saturday, November 8.