Djokovic Claims 100th Career Title in Geneva Open Thriller


Novak Djokovic wins 100th ATP title with thrilling comeback victory over Hubert Hurkacz in Geneva Open final, setting stage for French Open challenge.



Novak Djokovic claimed his 100th ATP title with a thrilling comeback win over Hubert Hurkacz in the Geneva Open final. The 38-year-old Serbian tennis star overcame a set deficit to triumph in a gripping three-hour match, ultimately winning 5-7, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/2). This milestone makes Djokovic just the third man in history to achieve 100 ATP titles.


The victory marked a significant moment for Djokovic, who was playing in Geneva as part of his preparations for the French Open. Despite struggling with his form at times, Djokovic's experience and resilience shone through as he battled past Hurkacz in a closely contested match that lasted three hours and five minutes.




Novak Djokovic has joined an elite group of tennis greats, claiming his 100th ATP title with a hard-fought win over Hubert Hurkacz in the Geneva Open final. “I had to work for it, that's for sure. He was probably closer to the victory the entire match than me,” Djokovic said, reflecting on the challenging match. The 38-year-old Serbian star's victory marks a significant milestone, putting him alongside Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer as the only players with a century of tour titles.


Djokovic's triumph was a testament to his enduring talent and dedication. “I was just trying to hang in there... this is what happens at this level. A few points decide it, an incredible match... and I'm delighted to clinch the 100 here,” he said after the match. This win was Djokovic's first tournament victory since claiming the Olympic gold medal in Paris last summer, and it comes as he aims to find form ahead of the French Open. Notably, Djokovic is the first man to win titles in 20 consecutive years.




Before Geneva, Novak Djokovic had faced setbacks on clay, losing to Alejandro Tabilo in Monte Carlo and Matteo Arnaldi in Madrid. However, he opted to play in the low-profile Geneva Open to fine-tune his form ahead of the French Open. The tournament proved to be a wise choice, as Djokovic claimed his 100th ATP title with a hard-fought win over Hubert Hurkacz.


The victory in Geneva will likely boost Djokovic's confidence as he heads into the French Open, where he's gunning for a record-breaking 25th major singles trophy. With his sights set on Roland Garros, Djokovic's win in Switzerland could be a crucial stepping stone in his bid for another Grand Slam title.


Novak Djokovic's recent split from coach and former rival Andy Murray didn't seem to impact his performance as he claimed his 100th ATP title. In contrast, Hubert Hurkacz's title drought continues, with his last win coming in April 2024. Despite his current ranking of 31st, Hurkacz showed impressive form against Djokovic, pushing the Serbian star to a thrilling three-set match.


Hurkacz praised Djokovic's conduct on and off the court, saying, “It's really inspiring how you conduct yourself on and off the court.” Djokovic's next challenge will be the French Open, where he'll face American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round, scheduled for either Monday or Tuesday. The three-time Roland Garros champion will look to build on his momentum from the Geneva Open.


The match got off to a tight start, with both players holding their serves until the fifth game, where Djokovic had two break point opportunities that Hurkacz managed to fend off. The set seemed headed for a tiebreaker until the 12th game, when Hurkacz seized the chance after Djokovic's loose forehand and subsequent double fault on set point, securing a 7-5 lead in the first set.


Hurkacz dug deep to hold serve at the start of the second set, saving another break point and setting the stage for a closely contested battle. The Polish player's determination and resilience were on full display as he fought to extend his lead.


The second set mirrored the first, with both players fiercely contesting every point. However, Djokovic managed to hold his serve at 6-5, forcing the set into a tiebreaker. He dominated the breaker, winning four consecutive points to level the match and send it into a deciding set.


Djokovic's momentum was short-lived, as he immediately surrendered his serve in the first game of the third set. Despite holding a 40-30 lead, he served a double fault and then hit a backhand long on break point, handing Hurkacz an early advantage.


Hurkacz dominated the deciding set's early stages, holding serve to love three times in a row and edging closer to his first title since April 2024. However, his momentum faltered in the eighth game when he made two unforced errors and a double fault, gifting Djokovic a crucial break and a chance to stay in the match.


Djokovic seized the opportunity and fought back, but Hurkacz regrouped to force a deciding tiebreaker in the 12th game. Unfortunately for the Pole, he couldn't sustain his momentum in the tiebreaker. After briefly taking the lead 3-2, Hurkacz crumbled under pressure, committing back-to-back errors that handed Djokovic the advantage. The Serbian tennis star sealed his 100th ATP title with an ace, joining Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors as the only men with 100 or more tour titles.



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