Novak Djokovic shows true colours with Lorenzo Musetti reaction after beating rival

Novak Djokovic showed his class by saluting Lorenzo Musetti's improvement after the Italian produced a spirited performance but lost the final of the inaugural Hellenic Championship to the Serb. The pair traded blows for just a minute shy of three hours in Athens before Djokovic eventually triumphed 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to win his 101st ATP title.

Musetti looked devastated after losing to the 38-year-old, with defeat confirming Felix Auger-Aliassime will take the final spot at the upcoming ATP Finals over him. But Djokovic stood from his seat to applaud Musetti and gestured to the crowd to crank up the noise before the post-match speeches began. When invited to take to the microphone himself, Djokovic consoled the Italian after a gruelling match which featured five breaks of serve in the deciding set.

Djokovic said: "I don't know where to start. First of all out of respect for Lorenzo and his performance today I want to say a few words. I think at this level we all experience the feeling of playing such close matches and losing.

"I know it's a tough feeling to accept right now. If there's anything positive to take away, your performance and level of tennis has been incredible all week. I played you many times on different surfaces.

"I hope you don't mind me saying but you probably play your best tennis on a clay court over the course of your career. honestly your improvement on hard court is amazing. Keep it going, you're on the right path and I'm sure the future is bright."

Djokovic's success was his first since relocating his family from Serbia to Greece. And the 24-time Grand Slam champion is very happy with his new life on the Mediterranean, adding: "This is the first time that Greece has this level of men's tennis tournament in more than 30 years. The overall feeling after this week, it felt like the tournament never left and was here every single year.

"You guys were amazing, honestly. Thank you so much. I would like to thank my team, my family. It has been a very special week for me because all my best friends and all of the closest people in my life are here in the stadium. I've said this before but I'm going to repeat it again - playing here and just being here feels like home. You guys make it like that for me."

Runner-up Musetti, who will not compete in Turin next week unless Djokovic withdraws from the ATP Finals and who has now lost six finals in a row, reacted: "What can I say? It's tough to speak after playing three hours against Nole. First of all I want to say thanks to everybody, it's been a special atmosphere. I felt at home honestly.

"I really like Athens so hopefully I can come back. Of course Novak, there's not many words to say about yourself or your career. Still at your age you're kicking asses, like mine like today. Every time I step on court against you and share the court with you, I take it as a lesson. Thanks for that.

"I want to thank everybody who made the tournament possible, it's a nice location and hopefully we can have more here in Greece. Last but not least, I want to thank my team and my family for always supporting me. It's always tough in these moments.

"The last three years, I've reached some finals but never lifted the heavier trophy. I'm sure pretty soon I will reach that goal. Thank you everybody."