How Novak Djokovic broke a Rafael Nadal record with his 100th career title

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis titan, etched his name deeper into the annals of history by clinching his 100th ATP singles title at the Geneva Open on May 24, 2025, a milestone that saw him surpass a significant record previously shared with Rafael Nadal. At 38, Djokovic’s thrilling 6-7, 7-6, 7-6 victory over Hubert Hurkacz not only marked a personal triumph but also established him as the first man in the Open Era to win a title in 20 consecutive seasons, from 2006 to 2025, breaking the 19-season record he once co-held with Nadal. This achievement, celebrated just days after his birthday, underscores Djokovic’s relentless drive and enduring brilliance in a sport he has dominated alongside rivals Nadal and Roger Federer, collectively known as the Big Three.

The Geneva final was a testament to Djokovic’s resilience. Facing a formidable Hurkacz, known for his booming serve, Djokovic dropped the first set in a tiebreak but battled back, leveling the match in a second-set tiebreak and edging out the third in another nail-biting tiebreak. “Hubi was probably closer to victory the entire match than I was,” Djokovic admitted post-match, acknowledging Hurkacz’s edge before adding, “He probably broke himself in the third, when he was 4-3 up, but this is what happens at the highest level. I’m just grateful to clinch the 100th here.” The victory, his first title of 2025, came after a challenging season that included a hamstring injury at the Australian Open, early losses in Doha and Indian Wells, and a Miami final defeat to Jakub Mensik. Yet, in Geneva, Djokovic’s trademark mental fortitude shone through, propelling him into an exclusive club alongside Federer (103 titles) and Jimmy Connors (109) as the only men to reach 100 ATP titles in the Open Era.

This milestone extends beyond mere numbers. Djokovic’s 100th title, achieved at an ATP 250 event, adds to his unparalleled resume, which includes a record 24 Grand Slam titles, 40 Masters 1000 titles, and a career Golden Masters—winning all nine Masters 1000 events at least twice. His 20-season title streak, beginning with his 2006 Dutch Open win over Nicolas Massu, eclipses Nadal’s remarkable run from 2004 to 2022. “I’m honoured to have another milestone, another record broken,” Djokovic said, reflecting on the significance of his Miami Open win earlier in 2025, where he also surpassed Nadal’s record of 410 Masters 1000 match wins with his 411th victory. That moment, a 6-1, 7-6 triumph over Camilo Ugo Carabelli, highlighted his hunger to reclaim form after a three-match losing streak. “There’s always something on the line pretty much every time I play, and of course that motivates me to do well at tournaments,” he added.

Djokovic’s journey to 100 titles has been defined by fierce rivalries, particularly with Nadal, whom he has faced 60 times, including nine Grand Slam finals. Their 2024 Olympic clash at Roland Garros, a 6-1, 6-4 Djokovic win, may have been their last, with Nadal retiring after the 2024 Davis Cup. “I just hope for the sake of our rivalry, and the sport, in general, that we’ll get to face each other once, maybe a few times,” Djokovic said then, expressing respect for Nadal’s legacy. His 100 titles span 19 countries and three surfaces, with 10 Australian Open crowns and seven each at Wimbledon, the ATP Finals, and Paris Masters. His ability to thrive against Federer (13 title wins) and Nadal (most frequent final opponent) underscores his dominance in the Big Three era, which has seen them amass 66 majors collectively.

Despite his 16-7 record in 2025, Djokovic’s focus remains on Grand Slams, with Roland Garros offering a chance to extend his record to 25 majors. “I think I’ve achieved all of my biggest goals in career,” he said earlier this year. “Right now it’s really about Slams and seeing how far I can push the bar for myself.” His Geneva triumph, coupled with his Paris 2024 Olympic gold, completes a career Golden Slam, matching Nadal and Andre Agassi. As he prepares for the French Open, where he faces a tough draw, Djokovic’s 100th title serves as a reminder of his relentless pursuit of greatness, redefining tennis history with every swing.

# Novak Djokovic Claims 100th Title, Breaks Nadal’s Consecutive Seasons Record

Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian tennis legend, secured his 100th ATP singles title at the Geneva Open on May 24, 2025, outlasting Hubert Hurkacz in a gripping 6-7, 7-6, 7-6 final. The victory marked a historic milestone, making Djokovic the first man in the Open Era to win a title in 20 consecutive seasons (2006–2025), surpassing Rafael Nadal’s record of 19. “Hubi was probably closer to victory the entire match than I was,” Djokovic said, adding, “He probably broke himself in the third, when he was 4-3 up, but this is what happens at the highest level. I’m just grateful to clinch the 100th here.”

Djokovic’s path to 100 titles has been monumental. His 2025 season, marred by a hamstring injury and early losses, saw a resurgence in Miami, where he broke Nadal’s 410 Masters 1000 win record with his 411th victory. “I’m honoured to have another milestone, another record broken,” he said after defeating Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-1, 7-6. His 100 titles, spanning 19 countries, include 24 Grand Slams and 40 Masters 1000 titles, with a career Golden Masters. His rivalries with Nadal and Roger Federer, against whom he won 13 titles, have defined an era, with Nadal his most frequent final opponent.

Despite a 16-7 record in 2025, Djokovic’s focus is on Roland Garros, where he aims for a 25th major. “I think I’ve achieved all of my biggest goals in career,” he said. “Right now it’s really about Slams.” His 2024 Olympic gold completed a career Golden Slam, matching Nadal. As he faces a tough French Open draw, Djokovic’s 100th title, achieved against fierce competition, cements his legacy as tennis’s record-breaking icon, pushing the boundaries of greatness.

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