Novak Djokovic successfully navigated a challenging three-set test against Ugo Humbert in Basel on Wednesday, clinching a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. This marks the 39-year-old tennis star’s first appearance at the Swiss event since 2011, serving as a vital step in his pursuit of a spot at the season-ending ATP Finals.
Reflecting on the intensity of the match, Djokovic admitted, “It was a super tight match, very intense from the beginning. I was under attack from the very first point. I had to weather the storm, but I managed to find my rhythm at the beginning of the second set.” He noted that finding his comfort level with his opponent’s tempo proved decisive in overcoming a difficult challenge.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is currently pushing for a record 19th qualification to the ATP Finals, which take place from November 15-22. Earlier this month, he secured the 102nd title of his career at the China Open in Beijing, though his momentum stalled with an early exit at the Shanghai Masters. Currently ranked 11th in the Race to Turin standings, he accepted a wild card entry into Basel to improve his standing, as only the top eight players qualify for the prestigious season-ending showpiece, from which Jannik Sinner has already withdrawn due to a knee injury.
Looking ahead, the fourth-seeded Djokovic will face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in the next round. The Serbian champion holds a commanding 8-0 head-to-head record against Struff, who he will look to overcome to continue his progress in the tournament.
