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Novak Djokovic Triumphs in Comeback at Basel, Keeps ATP Finals Dream Alive
Amir Azimi
Daily News

Novak Djokovic Triumphs in Comeback at Basel, Keeps ATP Finals Dream Alive

Djokovic Secures Hard-Fought Win on Basel Return

Novak Djokovic battled back to beat Ugo Humbert, staying in contention for the ATP Finals as the season nears its end. It was Djokovic’s first match in Basel in 15 years, and he earned a tough 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory in a match lasting two and a half hours.

The 39-year-old, chasing a 19th ATP Finals appearance, hit a decisive forehand winner down the line to close out the win. Currently 11th in the qualification race, Djokovic remains in striking distance of the top eight players who will compete in Turin.

Return to a Familiar Stage

Djokovic’s last appearance in Basel was in 2011, though he famously won the title in 2009 by defeating Roger Federer. Reflecting on the match, he said, "I was under attack from the very first point and had to weather the storm. It's my first indoor match, so I expected to be a little bit rusty in a tough draw. It is a big win for me, I know there are quite a few things I can do better but a win is a win, and I will take that today."

A Season of Consistency

This win marked Djokovic’s 20th tour-level victory of the year, extending his streak to 21 consecutive seasons with at least 20 wins. After dropping the first set, he saved break points twice in the second set before breaking Humbert's serve to turn the match around.

Djokovic entered the tournament trailing Spain’s Rafael Jodar by 319 points in the ATP Finals race, with Jodar also adding points after his opening round. Djokovic’s quest includes tying Roger Federer’s record of 103 men’s tour-level titles; Djokovic currently holds 102 after winning in Beijing in October.

Other Tennis Highlights

Meanwhile, in China, British player Harriet Dart reached the quarter-finals of the Guangzhou Open by defeating second seed Janice Tjen 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Dart, ranked 115th globally, will next face former world number two Paula Badosa, who beat Sinja Kraus 6-1, 6-4.

  • Match Result: Novak Djokovic def. Ugo Humbert 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
  • ATP Finals Race Position: Djokovic 11th, trailing Rafael Jodar by 319 points
  • Djokovic's Tour-Level Wins This Year: 20
  • Consecutive Seasons With 20+ Wins: 21
  • Djokovic's Total Titles: 102 (aiming to tie Federer's 103)
  • Harriet Dart's Guangzhou Open Win: Defeated Janice Tjen 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

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