Djokovic Triumphs in Basel Comeback to Boost ATP Finals Hopes

Djokovic Secures Tough Win in Basel Return

Novak Djokovic fought back against Ugo Humbert to keep his bid alive for the ATP Finals, clinching a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. This marked Djokovic's first appearance in Basel in 15 years.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion sealed the match with a forehand winner down the line after two and a half hours of play. Currently 11th in the race to qualify for Turin’s season-ending event, he remains determined to reach a record 19th ATP Finals appearance, which only the top eight players secure.

Back In Basel After Many Years

Djokovic last competed in Basel in 2011 but famously won the title there in 2009 by beating 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."

Extending an Impressive Streak

This victory marked Djokovic’s 20th tour-level win of the year, maintaining a remarkable streak spanning 21 consecutive seasons with at least 20 wins. After dropping the first set, he stayed resilient, saving break points twice early in the second set and breaking Humbert’s serve to begin his comeback.

He entered the tournament trailing Spain’s Rafael Jodar by 319 points, with Jodar also earning 50 points in his opening round. Djokovic is chasing the milestone of 103 career tour titles, aiming to equal Roger Federer's second-most men’s titles in the Open era, having recently captured his 102nd title in Beijing.

Other Tennis Updates

Meanwhile, British player Harriet Dart advanced to the quarter-finals of the Guangzhou Open after beating second seed Janice Tjen 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in a grueling two-hour and 28-minute match. Dart, ranked 115th globally, will face former world number two Paula Badosa, who defeated Austria’s Sinja Kraus 6-1, 6-4 in just 67 minutes.