Key Points

Novak Djokovic battled past Hubert Hurkacz in a nail-biting Geneva final to secure his 100th career title. The Serbian legend overcame a first-set deficit and a 2-4 third-set hole in the three-hour marathon. This historic win makes him just the third man after Connors and Federer to reach the century mark. At 38, Djokovic also became the tournament's oldest champion and first player to win titles across 20 seasons.

Key Points: Novak Djokovic Wins 100th Title in Geneva Thriller Over Hurkacz

  • Djokovic rallies from 2-4 down in final set
  • Joins Connors and Federer in 100-title club
  • Oldest Geneva Open champion at 38
  • First man to win titles in 20 seasons
3 min read

Djokovic wins 100th career title after thrilling comeback in Geneva

Djokovic stages a dramatic comeback to claim his 100th career title, joining Connors and Federer in an elite club after a grueling Geneva final.

"I was just trying to hang in there... Very few points decide the winner. Incredible match. – Novak Djokovic"

Geneva, May 25

Novak Djokovic claimed his 100th tour-level trophy on Saturday at the Gonet Geneva Open, battling past Hubert Hurkacz in a dramatic final. The Serbian star came from behind to win 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2) in what turned out to be the longest match of the tournament, lasting three hours and five minutes, as per the ATP Tour.

"I had to work for it, that's for sure. Hubi was probably closer to victory (in) the entire match than I was," Djokovic said, as quoted from ATP Tour.

"I had some chances in the first set to break his serve, then had a bad game which ended up with the double fault on set point," he added.

"I was just trying to hang in there, I don't know how I broke his serve. He probably broke himself in the third, when he was 4-3 up, but this is what happens at the highest level. Very few points decide the winner. Incredible match, 7-6 in the third with a full stadium, beautiful atmosphere. I'm just grateful to clinch the 100th here," he noted.

Djokovic trailed 2-4 in the final set but dug deep to turn the match around, showing the resilience he is known for. This win makes him only the third man in the Open Era to reach 100 tour-level trophy, joining legends Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103). His first title came back in 2006, when he beat Hurkacz's current coach, Nicolas Massu.

It's also Djokovic's first title since his gold medal win at the Paris Olympics last year. With this win, he becomes the first man in the Open Era to win a title in 20 different seasons. At 38, he is also now the oldest player to win the Geneva tournament.

The match was full of tense moments. Djokovic even double-faulted on set point in the first set, showing nerves. Hurkacz started strong in the final set, not dropping a point in his first three service games but Djokovic held his nerve and kept fighting.

The turning point came in the eighth game of the third set when Hurkacz, leading 4-3, made several errors, including a double fault. Djokovic took advantage and broke back with a brilliant passing shot.

Hurkacz, who had meniscus surgery last July, was aiming for his ninth ATP title and second on clay. But despite his strong performance, he couldn't stop Djokovic from completing a remarkable comeback and sealing another historic milestone in his career.

"Congrats to Novak, his family and his team. One hundred (titles), it's a lot," Hurkacz said.

"It's really inspiring how you present yourself on the court, off the court. It's just incredible what you have achieved, so congrats for that and for what you have done for the whole sport of tennis," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a champion! Djokovic proves age is just a number. At 38, still beating younger players with his mental toughness. Indian tennis players should learn from his discipline and never-give-up attitude. 🇮🇳🎾
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Priya M.
As much as I admire Djokovic's achievements, I wish Indian sports got even half this coverage in international media. Our athletes work just as hard but don't get the recognition they deserve. Still, congrats to Novak - 100 titles is no joke!
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Arjun S.
The way he turned the match around at 2-4 in the final set was pure class! Reminds me of those epic comebacks in cricket. Tennis needs more Indian players competing at this level. Maybe one day we'll have our own champion like this!
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Neha T.
I stayed up late watching this match - totally worth it! 😍 The tension in that third set was unbelievable. Hurkacz played so well but Novak's experience made the difference. Tennis is becoming more popular in India because of legends like him.
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Vikram J.
While I respect Djokovic's achievements, I feel the media focuses too much on the Big Three. There are many other talented players who deserve attention too. That said, 100 titles across 20 seasons is a record that might never be broken!
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Sanjana R.
This makes me nostalgic for when Sania Mirza was competing at the highest level. We need more Indian representation in tennis. But hats off to Djokovic - his longevity in the sport is inspiring for athletes everywhere!

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