Djokovic Heads Athens Field; Turin Hopeful Auger-Aliassime in Metz

Match Preview

Match Preview: Djokovic and Musetti Headline Athens as Felix Aims for Turin in Metz

Your essential guide to the exciting week ahead on the ATP Tour

November 01, 2025

This week, the ATP 250 doubleheader marks the conclusion of the 2025 PIF ATP Live Race to Turin, with thrilling indoor hard-court matches set in Athens and Metz.

After a lengthy hiatus since 1994, ATP tennis makes a grand return to Athens with the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship, headlined by former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Alongside him, Lorenzo Musetti aims for a substantial performance to secure the final available spot for the upcoming Nitto ATP Finals.

Meanwhile, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Musetti’s main contender for that coveted Turin position, leads the charge as the top seed at the Moselle Open in Metz. Let’s dive into five key highlights to watch from each event.

FIVE HIGHLIGHTS IN ATHENS
1) Djokovic’s Comeback: After reaching the semi-finals in Shanghai last month, the 100-time tour-level champion Novak Djokovic returns to action as the top seed in Athens. He aims to find his rhythm on indoor surfaces as he kicks off his title quest against Alejandro Tabilo or Adam Walton.

2) Musetti’s Turin Dreams: Following an unexpected exit at the Rolex Paris Masters, Musetti is determined to finish his 2025 season on a high note in Athens. Currently ninth in the Live Race, he trails eighth-placed Auger-Aliassime by 160 points, with the Canadian potentially securing his spot in Turin as early as Sunday.

3) Stars Gunning for Glory: Several players are set to wrap up their 2025 season in fantastic form in Athens. Third seed Luciano Darderi aims for his fourth title of the year, while the fourth seed Brandon Nakashima searches for his first trophy of the season, leading a notable American contingent in the tournament.

4) Wild Card Wawrinka: The ever-determined Stan Wawrinka, at 40, embarks on the final chapters of his 24th professional season as a wild card in Athens. His first challenge is against Botic van de Zandschulp, with the winner set to face Musetti in the next round.

5) Top Doubles Pairing: Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul are in pursuit of their second ATP 250 title of the year in Athens. As the top seeds, they will face stiff competition from the likes of second seeds Francisco Cabral/Lucas Miedler and home wild cards Pavlos and Petros Tsitsipas.

FIVE HIGHLIGHTS IN METZ
1) Felix in Form: Known for his remarkable skill on indoor hard courts, Auger-Aliassime comes into Metz with impressive momentum. Having claimed his third title of 2025 in Brussels and following it up with good performances in Basel and Paris, he has his sights set on returning to the Nitto ATP Finals.

2) Bublik’s Best Year Yet?: Despite falling short in his quest for Turin, Alexander Bublik has had a standout year on the ATP Tour. Aiming for his fifth title in Metz, he looks to improve upon his runner-up finish in 2022.

3) French Flag Bearer: Sixth seed Arthur Rinderknech leads a strong field of ten Frenchmen (exceeding qualifiers) in Metz. With Corentin Moutet also seeded, local favorites like Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Terence Atmane are eager to keep the home title streak alive.

4) Blockx Eyes Jeddah: Alexander Blockx stands seventh in the PIF ATP Live Race to Jeddah, presenting him with a vital opportunity to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals in Metz. Competing via a special entry spot for players aged 20-and-under, he is ready to make his mark.

5) Arends/Johnson in Title Defense: Sander Arends and Luke Johnson seek to achieve a hat-trick of ATP Tour titles in 2025 by reclaiming their title in Metz. The second seeds are joined by the top seeds Andre Goransson and Jan Zielinski, alongside home favorites Quentin Halys and Pierre-Hugues Herbert.