GENEVA — Novak Djokovic etched his name deeper into tennis history by claiming his 100th career singles title on Saturday, triumphing in a city that’s dear to his family.
Djokovic finally reached this remarkable milestone after a thrilling match against Hubert Hurkacz, winning 5-7, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2) in a grueling contest lasting over three hours at the Geneva Open final. This victory came after he faced disappointment in his two prior finals since his 99th title, which he won nine months ago at the Paris Olympics in Roland-Garros.
He joins tennis legends Jimmy Connors, with a record 109 titles, and Roger Federer, who has 103, as the only men in the Open era to secure 100 tournament wins.
This milestone came in a fiercely contested match, just two days after celebrating his 38th birthday, with family by his side in the picturesque Swiss city where some of his relatives live.
“I’m incredibly thankful to capture my 100th title here,” Djokovic expressed during an on-court interview. “It required a lot of effort, that’s for sure.”
His wife and children joined the celebrations in Geneva, having taken a day off school, a fact Djokovic humorously noted, revealing yet another reason for his decision to accept a late wild-card entry into this last clay-court warm-up before the French Open.
The charming lakeside city is home to a beloved aunt and uncle, along with cousins, including one who has recently welcomed a baby that the Djokovics were eager to meet.
Now, the three-time French Open champion heads back to Paris, poised to extend his record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. He faces Mackenzie McDonald from the United States in the first round on Monday.
Victorious in 20 Distinct Seasons
Djokovic clinched this historic win with an ace down the middle, culminating in a spectacular comeback after breaking Hurkacz’s serve for the first time while trailing 4-3 in the deciding set. Djokovic capitalized on this break-point opportunity with a stunning forehand cross-court winner, advancing to the net on Hurkacz’s sliced half-volley.
“Hubert was arguably closer to winning the entire match than I was,” Djokovic admitted. “I’m still baffled by how I managed to break his serve.”
He becomes the first man in the Open era to win titles across 20 different seasons.
Djokovic’s 100th singles title arrives nearly 19 years after his debut victory in July 2006, also on clay, at Amersfoort in the Netherlands against Nicolás Massú — the current coach of Hurkacz.
“Your on-court and off-court presence is truly inspiring. What you’ve accomplished is simply remarkable,” Hurkacz commended Djokovic during the trophy presentation.
Djokovic proudly accepted his trophy under three golden balloons, which spelled out 1-0-0.
Since the Paris Olympics, he faced defeats in finals at the Shanghai Masters against Jannik Sinner last year and the Miami Masters against Jakob Mensik in March.
His trip to Geneva provided more than just match practice; he had suffered early exits in previous European clay-court tournaments in Monte Carlo and Madrid this April.
In the opening rounds, Djokovic had break-point opportunities and couldn’t capitalize. At 2-2 in the first set, Hurkacz saved the second of back-to-back chances with a powerful service winner.
Hurkacz secured the first set after seizing his only break-point chance, capitalizing on a double fault from Djokovic.
In the second set’s opening game, Hurkacz saved Djokovic’s next break-point opportunity with a well-placed overhead winner at the net. During the tiebreaker, Djokovic showcased his prowess, overwhelming Hurkacz to force a decisive set.
Hurkacz quickly broke serve again at the start of the third set, achieving the break when a low-bouncing ball darted under Djokovic’s racket, capitalizing as the second-seeded Serb sent a forehand long.
