Novak Djokovic has etched his name even deeper into tennis history by claiming his 100th career singles title at the Geneva Open, marking his first victory in a city that holds personal significance for him. In a thrilling final against Hubert Hurkacz, Djokovic staged a remarkable comeback after losing the first set, eventually winning 5-7, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2) in over three hours of intense competition.
This victory, which occurred just after Djokovic’s 38th birthday and in the presence of family, comes to an end a 293-day title drought—the second longest of his illustrious career. Prior to this, he had a gap of 12 months without a title from July 2017 to July 2018 due to injury issues. His last title before this was at the Paris Olympics, illustrating the challenges he faced returning to peak form.
With his 100th title, Djokovic now joins the ranks of tennis legends like Jimmy Connors, who holds a record of 109 titles, and Roger Federer with 103. Reflecting on his win, Djokovic expressed gratitude for achieving this milestone in Geneva, a location associated with beloved family members, including an aunt and uncle, and recently expanded family connections.
The victory was not merely a personal achievement but also a hard-fought battle, as Hurkacz applied considerable pressure throughout the match. Djokovic acknowledged Hurkacz’s resilience, admitting that his opponent was often closer to victory.
The match highlighted Djokovic’s tenacious spirit, especially as he faced break-point opportunities that he failed to convert early on. Hurkacz clinched the first set after Djokovic double-faulted during a decisive moment. However, Djokovic rallied in the second set, dominating the tiebreak to force a deciding set, ultimately sealing the match with an ace.
This win solidifies Djokovic’s position as the first man in the Open era to secure a title across 20 different seasons. His journey from his first title in July 2006 to this latest achievement showcases a remarkable 19-year career, beginning on clay at Amersfoort, where he first emerged as a champion against Nicolás Massú, who now coaches Hurkacz.
After this significant win, Djokovic heads to Paris as he aims to capture more Grand Slam titles, specifically his 25th at Roland Garros, starting with a first-round match against American Mackenzie McDonald. The Geneva triumph also served as crucial match practice, particularly after a disappointing run at previous clay-court tournaments. Djokovic’s ability to triumph under pressure and evolve continuously as a player remains a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.