Novak Djokovic added yet another chapter to his storied career on Saturday by becoming only the third man in history to claim 100 ATP titles, defeating Hubert Hurkacz in a dramatic Geneva Open final.
The 38-year-old Serbian icon battled back from a set down to prevail 5-7, 7-6(7/2), 7-6(7/2) after over three hours of intense tennis.
With this victory, Djokovic joins the elite ranks of Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, who are the only other players to have reached the century mark in tour-level titles. “I had to work for it, that’s for sure,” Djokovic admitted after the win. “He was probably closer to the victory the entire match than me… An incredible match, and I’m delighted to clinch the 100 here.”
The win also extended Djokovic’s remarkable record of winning titles across 20 consecutive years, a feat unmatched in the men’s game.
The Geneva Open title was especially crucial for Djokovic, who entered the tournament seeking form ahead of the French Open. Having lost both of his previous clay-court matches this season—against Alejandro Tabilo in Monte Carlo and Matteo Arnaldi in Madrid—the Serb opted for the smaller event in Switzerland to recalibrate his game.
The strategy paid off, with the Geneva trophy marking his first title since capturing Olympic gold against Carlos Alcaraz in Paris last summer.
Despite parting ways with his coach and former rival Andy Murray recently, Djokovic showed no signs of instability. His physical endurance and mental resilience were on full display in Geneva.
Hurkacz, once ranked as high as world number six and now sitting at 31st, looked poised to seize the title after taking the first set and breaking early in the third. But he faltered when it mattered most. “It’s really inspiring how you conduct yourself on and off the court,” Hurkacz graciously told Djokovic after the match.
The final was tightly contested from the outset. Djokovic failed to convert two early break points in the first set and was punished in the 12th game with a double-fault that handed Hurkacz the opener. The second set mirrored the first in tension, but Djokovic held firm to force a tie-break, where he found his rhythm and leveled the match.
The third set saw an early break for Hurkacz, who looked dominant with three straight love holds. However, unforced errors and a double-fault in the eighth game allowed Djokovic to break back. The decider tie-break again showcased Djokovic’s composure, as he capitalized on Hurkacz’s miscues from 3-2 down to seal the historic win with an ace.
With his 100th title secured, Djokovic now turns his focus to Roland Garros, where he begins his campaign against American Mackenzie McDonald. The three-time French Open champion will be eyeing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles crown.
What you should know
Novak Djokovic became the third man in tennis history to win 100 ATP titles after a dramatic comeback against Hubert Hurkacz in the Geneva Open final.
The win, his first since last summer’s Olympic gold, boosts his confidence heading into the French Open, where he’ll aim for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
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