Novak Djokovic etched his name deeper into tennis history on Saturday, capturing his 100th career singles title with a masterful performance at the Geneva Open. The Serbian superstar battled past Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in a gripping three-hour finale, emerging victorious with a scoreline of 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2).
Facing an early setback after dropping the first set, Djokovic showcased his trademark resilience. He clawed his way back, forcing consecutive tiebreaks and ultimately clinching the match. This win propels him into an elite group alongside legends Jimmy Connors (109 titles) and Roger Federer (103 titles) as the only men in the Open Era to secure at least 100 singles titles.
"Reaching this milestone here is incredibly special," Djokovic shared during the trophy ceremony. "It wasn’t easy, and Hubert played a fantastic match. I’m grateful for the fight and the victory."
The choice to compete in Geneva held personal significance for Djokovic. Shortly after celebrating his 38th birthday, he embraced the opportunity to play in a city where several of his relatives reside. Family members filled the stands, adding a heartfelt touch to his historic win.
Hurkacz, who pushed Djokovic to his limits, praised the champion’s tenacity. "It’s inspiring to see how you compete and conduct yourself," he said. "What you’ve achieved in our sport is truly remarkable."
This victory marks Djokovic as the first man in the Open Era to claim titles across 20 different seasons. Nearly 19 years have passed since his first singles triumph on the clay courts of Amersfoort, Netherlands, in 2006.
With momentum on his side, Djokovic now sets his sights on the French Open at Roland-Garros. Aiming to add to his record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, he is scheduled to face America’s Mackenzie McDonald in the opening round on Monday.
The tennis world watches with anticipation as Djokovic continues to redefine greatness, demonstrating that age is no barrier to excellence.
