Novak Djokovic made yet more tennis history as he battled back to beat Hubert Hurkacz and claim a historic 100th ATP Tour title at the Geneva Open.
After defeats in the Shanghai Masters final towards the tail end of 2024 and at the Miami Open back in March, Djokovic finally claimed title No 100 with an enthralling victory in Geneva.
The Serbian was a set down to world No 31 Hurkacz and a break down in the final set, though he battled back to seal a 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2) triumph.
Djokovic paid a touching tribute to Hurkacz, who is battling back from a meniscus issue similar to the one the Serbian faced in 2024, in his post match speech.
“I know it’s a bitter taste in the mouth to lose the match like this,” said the 38-year-old.
“I’m sorry for that. I think that you were, for most of the match, the better player and for me it was a miracle to win this match. Obviously I fought, but I want to give you huge credit for playing some amazing tennis this week.
“Obviously, I know how it feels to be injured with the knee, and it’s definitely a big challenge to come back. You managed to cut your comeback very short and reach already a very high level.
“I wish you all the best in Paris, in London. I really enjoy playing you, but maybe shorter matches in the future will be nice.”
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Victory was huge for Djokovic, who not only ended talk about whether he would finally win his 100th title, but also now heads into Roland Garros with four strong clay-court matches under his belt.
The Serbian had a 0-2 record for the clay court season heading into Geneva, beaten in his opening matches in both Monte Carlo and Madrid.
Djokovic’s Geneva triumph means he becomes just the third man in the Open Era to win 100+ singles titles, following Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).
However, he has now become the first man in the Open Era to win at least one title for 20 straight seasons.
Djokovic won his first ATP title at the Dutch Open back in July 2006 and has won at least one title every year since then, completing two decades of continued success.
The Serbian now moves ahead of Rafael Nadal, with whom he was previously level on 19 consecutive seasons with at least one singles title to his name.
Federer sits in third place with 15 consecutive seasons, with Ivan Lendl winning a title for 14 straight seasons and Connors claiming silverware for 13 straight seasons at his peak.
Djokovic will now head to Paris for the French Open, where he has won three of his 100 titles.
Already the only man to win every Grand Slam title on at least three separate occasions, he will be hunting for a fourth Roland Garros title and record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic’s French Open campaign will begin against Mackenzie McDonald.
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