Novak Djokovic makes history with hard-fought Geneva victory
It was never going to be straightforward. And Novak Djokovic wouldn’t have it any other way. On a crisp evening in Geneva, the world number one had to dig deeper than perhaps even he expected to clinch a dramatic 5-7, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-2) win over Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz and, with it, a significant milestone—his 100th ATP singles title.
In doing so, Djokovic joins the most elite of tennis company, becoming just the third man in the Open Era to reach triple figures in singles titles, following in the footsteps of Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103). But unlike many of those other victories over his career, this one required every ounce of his grit, experience, and endurance.
A century of titles—and this one meant a little more
The numbers are staggering. Twenty-four Grand Slam titles. Ninety-nine ATP singles titles heading into Geneva. Yet, even for someone who has done almost everything there is to do in the sport, title number 100 carried a special kind of weight.
“This one, I had to really work for,” Djokovic said afterwards, smiling as his children ran to him on court, celebrating the moment as a family. “Hubi was probably closer to winning the entire match than I was. I’m just grateful I was able to find a way.”
The final, lasting over three hours, was a microcosm of Djokovic’s 2024 season so far—grueling, unpredictable, and marked by moments of struggle. He arrived in Geneva looking for rhythm on clay and had yet to register a win on the surface this year. By the end of Saturday night, not only had he won the title, he’d reminded the tennis world that writing him off is never a good idea.
Hurkacz tests the champion like never before
Despite coming into the match with a 0-7 record against Djokovic, Hubert Hurkacz showed no signs of intimidation. The big-serving Pole, still working his way back to top form after a knee injury at Wimbledon last year, took the first set with composure and calculated aggression.
Djokovic had his chances early on, particularly at 2-2 in the opener where he saw multiple break points. But Hurkacz, showcasing his trademark calm under pressure, fired down aces and unreturnable serves to keep Djokovic at bay.
The set turned in painful fashion for the Serb. Trying to serve his way into a tiebreak, he hit a double fault at break point—an uncharacteristic error at a pivotal moment.
It was a sign of how off-balance Djokovic has sometimes appeared this season. His campaign has been punctuated by early exits—Monte Carlo, Madrid, and a withdrawal from Rome—and a somewhat surprising split with longtime coach Goran Ivanisevic.
And yet, there he was, clawing his way back into the match, point by point.
Experience takes over in the clutch moments
In the second set, Hurkacz continued to frustrate Djokovic, forcing deuce in nearly every service game and refusing to blink. But when it came time for the tiebreak, Djokovic raised his level in a way only the greats can. His returning sharpened, the errors vanished, and a vicious backhand winner sealed the set.
The third set began with Hurkacz drawing first blood, breaking Djokovic in the opening game and holding his own serve with precision. But at 4-3, the nerves finally crept in. A loose game from the Pole, including a mishit forehand and a tense double fault, allowed Djokovic to pounce.
From there, the match had an air of inevitability. Once they reached the tiebreak, Djokovic had already found his rhythm and knew how to finish. The final point, fittingly, was an ace.
More than just a warm-up for Paris
The Geneva Open was never meant to be the highlight of Djokovic’s spring. It was a last-minute wildcard addition to help him get match practice ahead of Roland-Garros, where he’ll attempt to break the all-time Grand Slam record with a 25th major title.
But in many ways, Geneva might be exactly what he needed. A test of his legs, his heart, and his head—all of which passed under pressure. This was his first title since the Olympics in Paris last summer, and it comes at a crucial time as he looks to hit peak form ahead of the French Open.
He will now head to Paris with confidence restored and some much-needed clay under his shoes. His first-round opponent, American Mackenzie McDonald, will not be taken lightly—but after surviving the gauntlet in Geneva, Djokovic looks far better equipped to challenge for a third Roland-Garros crown.
The emotional weight of No. 100
While Djokovic remains laser-focused on chasing history in the Grand Slams, hitting the century mark in titles isn’t something he’s brushing off.
“It means a lot,” he admitted. “You don’t get many moments like this in your career, especially with your family here, in a place like this, with fans showing so much love.”
That affection was evident in Geneva, where a partisan crowd urged him on through the tense final moments. And while Hurkacz left the court with his head under a towel, ruing what might have been, Djokovic was left soaking in a celebration that felt as much about resilience as it did about legacy.
Because that’s what made this title different. It wasn’t a cruise. It wasn’t another routine win over a lower-ranked opponent. It was a war of attrition. A statement of longevity. A reminder that, at 38, Novak Djokovic remains a force to be reckoned with.
And now, with 100 titles to his name, he’s chasing even greater numbers still. Paris is calling. And Djokovic, once again, is answering.
