While Novak Djokovic experienced an unexpected defeat on the court in Rome, the Serbian tennis star had reason to celebrate off the court. Lille Métropole, the football club of which Djokovic is a co-owner, secured a place in the French Ligue 1, returning the club to the elite ranks of French football after a 16-year absence.

The French club clinched promotion in the last round of the competition with a 2:0 victory over Bastia on Corsica. The match was crucial for both teams, with Lille Métropole pursuing a return to the elite, while Bastia aimed to avoid relegation. The visitors' celebration also marked Bastia's relegation to the third tier of competition. The outcome was determined early, with Ervan Colaou scoring in the 16th minute of the first half, followed by Milan Robin's goal deep into added time, triggering jubilation among Lille Métropole's players and fans.

Lille Métropole's success represents a significant turnaround for the club, which has faced severe financial crises in recent years. At one point, the club even had to drop to amateur status to survive, before returning to Ligue 2 last season and now advancing to Ligue 1. The club's project has attracted a roster of well-known sports figures, including Djokovic, businessman Yorgos Frangulis, former Formula 1 drivers Kevin Magnussen and Felipe Massa, and recently, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

In spite of losing several crucial points with draws late in the season, the team managed to withstand the pressure and secure its return to the elite of French football.

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