Novak Djokovic etched his name into tennis history on Saturday, winning his 100th career singles title at the Geneva Open with a thrilling 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2) victory over Hubert Hurkacz.
The 38-year-old Serb battled for more than three hours, rallying from a set down to secure the milestone at a tournament where his family calls the lakeside Swiss city home. Djokovic now joins Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the only men to surpass 100 titles in the Open Era.
“I’m just grateful to clinch the 100 here,” Djokovic said after the match, surrounded by his wife and children celebrating his birthday. He accepted a late wild-card entry partly to reconnect with relatives in Geneva, including an aunt, uncle and a new cousin he’d been eager to meet.
On his path to the trophy, Djokovic fired the winning ace down the center in the final tiebreak and broke Hurkacz’s serve for the first time in the decider with a decisive cross-court forehand. “Hubert was probably closer to the victory the entire match than I was,” he admitted. “I don’t know how I broke his serve.”
Beyond the headline, Djokovic’s victory marks him as the first man in the Open Era to win a title in 20 different seasons. Nearly 19 years after his first clay-court triumph in Amersfoort, Netherlands, against Nicolás Massu in July 2006, the Serbian star shows no sign of slowing down.
Next stop: Roland-Garros. Djokovic aims to add to his 24 Grand Slam singles trophies when he faces Mackenzie McDonald of the USA in the first round. With 100 titles in the books, the 38-year-old continues to redefine longevity in the men’s game.
Reference(s):
Novak Djokovic wins Geneva Open to clinch 100th career singles title
cgtn.com
