"It sucks for women" - Tennis insider laments Sabalenka vs Rybakina WTA Finals final competing with Novak Djokovic's Athens final for eyeballs

Novak Djokovic faced Lorenzo Musetti in the Athens finals at the same time as the WTA Finals final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. One of the tennis insiders shared thoughts on this, lamenting that the WTA Finals had to compete with Athens for views.

On November 8, Djokovic locked horns with Musetti in the final round of the Hellenic Championship. He produced a dominant display of performance, rallying for a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win against the Italian. This match continued for three straight hours and was a treat to watch.

On the other hand, Sabalenka and Rybakina fought for the WTA Finals title. The World No. 1 fell short of securing the title as the Kazakhstani player delivered a stellar performance. She secured a straight two-set win in 107 minutes.

While both matches were nail-biting and thrilling, they unfolded simultaneously. Reflecting on this, tennis insider Amy Lundy Dahl wrote on X:

"Awesome we had a burst of insane tennis, and nobody could have predicted the implications. But it sucks for the women that their final had to compete with the GOAT in a weighty match. No way I was missing that. Hell yeah I’ll watch Sabalenka Rybakina on replay but not the same."

Novak Djokovic opened up about his victory at Athens 2025

Novak Djokovic was ecstatic after claiming the 2025 Hellenic Championship title. He expressed his feelings in the victory speech, exuding pride in himself for enduring such a tough final. He also congratulated Lorenzo Musetti for fighting till the end.

"An incredible battle… Three hours of a gruelling 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," said Novak Djokovic, via ATP Tour.

Musetti also sang praises of the Serb, stating that Djokovic proved that even at 38, he still has the caliber to lock horns with the young generation.

"Novak, there are not many words to say about you and your career. You are proving, still at your age, that you can kick us, like me today. Everytime I share the court with you, I take it as a lesson, so thanks for that."

Following Athens, Novak Djokovic was scheduled to compete at the ATP Finals in Turin; however, according to the ATP Tour, he has pulled out due to a shoulder injury. Lorenzo Musetti will replace the Serb in the tournament.

Edited by Hitesh Nigam