The Serbian won the Basel title on his debut at the tournament 17 years ago

Last updated: October 29, 2026 | 10:21

Novak Djokovic showed he still has plenty left in the tank AFP

Dubai: Novak Djokovic battled back from a set down to defeat Ugo Humbert on his return to Basel for the first time in 15 years.

With the season nearing its conclusion, Djokovic is fighting to secure a place at the ATP Finals in Turin. The Serbian kept his hopes alive with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 victory over Frenchman Humbert, describing the result as a "big win".

The 39-year-old sealed the contest after two and a half hours, firing a forehand winner down the line to complete his comeback.

Djokovic, currently 11th in the race to Turin, remains in contention to make a record 19th appearance at the season-ending tournament, which features only the top eight players of the year.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion last competed in Basel in 2011, having won the title two years earlier by beating great rival Roger Federer in the final.

"I was…