In the picturesque lakeside city of Geneva, Novak Djokovic made a bold decision that turned heads in the tennis world: accepting a wildcard into the ATP 250 Geneva Open just days before the 2025 French Open. The 38-year-old Serbian, chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, entered the tournament to rediscover his rhythm after a rocky clay-court season. His choice paid dividends, as he clinched his 100th career singles title by defeating Hubert Hurkacz in a grueling three-set final, a victory that has revitalized his confidence and sent a warning to his rivals. Djokovic’s candid reflections on why he chose Geneva—and how it transformed his mindset—reveal a champion adapting to new challenges with unwavering determination.
Djokovic’s 2025 season had been uncharacteristically turbulent. Early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, where he fell to Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi, respectively, marked a stark contrast to his usual dominance. A withdrawal from the Italian Open due to undisclosed reasons further fueled doubts about his form. “I was struggling a little bit with [my] confidence level, doubting my game a bit,” Djokovic admitted, acknowledging the mental toll of his clay-court struggles. With Roland Garros looming, he opted for the Geneva Open, an unusual move for a player of his stature who typically prioritizes rest before a major. “I think it was a good move, to be honest, because I needed to play matches,” he said, emphasizing the importance of competitive reps over practice. The decision, spurred by a desire to “find that kind of form that I need for Roland Garros,” proved to be a masterstroke.
In Geneva, Djokovic faced a gauntlet of challenges, culminating in a three-hour, five-minute final against Hurkacz, the World No. 31, whom he defeated 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2). The match was a microcosm of his resilience, as he rallied from a set down and overcame missed break-point opportunities. “Huby was probably closer to the victory the entire match than I was,” Djokovic conceded, crediting Hurkacz’s errors in the third set for tipping the scales. His semi-final win over Cameron Norrie, a 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-1 battle, was equally pivotal. “I’m giving myself a seven or eight out of 10 for the whole match, but nine and sometimes 10 in the third set, the best set I’ve played in this tournament,” he said, highlighting how he rediscovered his clinical edge. The title, his first of 2025 and first since the 2024 Paris Olympics gold, made him only the third man in the Open Era to reach 100 ATP titles, joining legends Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.
The Geneva triumph was more than a trophy; it was a mental reset. “Coming into Roland Garros, it feels different than compared to the feeling I had three weeks ago,” Djokovic noted, his confidence restored after four hard-fought matches. The victory, celebrated with his family in Geneva—where he has relatives and spent his 38th birthday—reignited the “aura” that former world No. 1 Jim Courier believes intimidates opponents. “It certainly gets his aura back up in the locker room,” Courier said, suggesting the win could shift perceptions at Roland Garros. Djokovic’s commanding start in Paris, including a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 rout of Mackenzie McDonald and a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Filip Misolic, underscores this newfound momentum. His 99th match win at Roland Garros, tying his Australian Open record, positions him one victory from a historic milestone.
Djokovic’s Geneva decision was also strategic, offering match practice on clay at a lower-stakes ATP 250 event. Facing players like Marton Fucsovics and Matteo Arnaldi, he fine-tuned his game, delivering 33 winners against Misolic and saving crucial break points. “I wanted to play at the highest level and that’s what I’m doing, so I couldn’t be happier,” he said, relishing the chance to compete. With a fourth-round clash against Norrie looming and potential showdowns with Alexander Zverev or Jannik Sinner, Djokovic’s path to a fourth French Open title is daunting. Yet, his Geneva gamble—driven by a need to “hang in there” and rediscover his rhythm—has silenced doubters. As Paris buzzes with PSG’s Champions League celebrations, Djokovic’s reinvigorated form signals he’s ready to chase history once more.
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