As the 2025 French Open approaches, Novak Djokovic is brimming with optimism, delivering “good news” to fans as he prepares for the Gonet Geneva Open final against Hubert Hurkacz on May 24. The 38-year-old Serbian, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is one win away from his 100th ATP Tour-level title, a feat only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) have achieved in the Open Era. After a challenging clay season marked by early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, Djokovic’s resurgence in Geneva, where he reached the final with a 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-1 victory over Cameron Norrie, signals a return to form. “I have some good news,” Djokovic shared post-match, his eyes gleaming with confidence. “I thought it was a good performance from me, solid. Compared to previous weeks, I felt better.” As he faces Hurkacz, the world No. 6, in the Swiss final, Djokovic’s pursuit of history and momentum for Roland Garros promises a thrilling showdown.
Djokovic’s Geneva campaign has been a masterclass in resilience. Following a 6-2, 6-3 rout of Marton Fucsovics and a 6-4, 6-4 win over Matteo Arnaldi, his semi-final against Norrie tested his mettle. After squandering a match point in the second-set tiebreak, Djokovic roared back, winning 12 of 13 points to start the third set. “It was the toughest match of the tournament for me so far, for sure,” he said, praising Norrie’s competitiveness. “I’m really glad how I regrouped in the third and played the best set of the tournament.” This marks his 143rd career final, a testament to his enduring brilliance, and a victory over Hurkacz would make him the third man to reach the century mark in titles, bolstering his confidence for the French Open, where he faces Mackenzie McDonald in the first round.
Hurkacz, the 28-year-old Polish sixth seed, is a formidable foe. Undefeated in sets in Geneva, he stormed into the final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Sebastian Ofner, following a commanding victory over top seed Taylor Fritz. Known for his thunderous serve—evidenced by 33 aces in a 2023 Wimbledon clash with Djokovic—Hurkacz holds a 7-2 clay record this season, including a 2024 Estoril title. “Hubert’s serve is incredibly accurate and powerful,” Djokovic acknowledged, referencing their 2019 Roland Garros encounter, one of seven straight wins in their head-to-head. Despite Hurkacz’s form, Djokovic’s experience on clay, including victories in 2019 Paris and 2023 Rome, gives him the edge. “It means a lot [to reach the final]. So let’s go for a title,” Djokovic declared, his focus unwavering.
The Geneva final, set for 9:00 AM ET at the Tennis Club de Genève, is a pivotal moment for Djokovic. His 2025 season has been title-less since the 2024 Olympic gold, with losses in Shanghai and Miami finals. The Geneva run, however, showcases a revitalized Djokovic, whose 78% first-serve points won and 28 winners against Norrie highlight his clay-court prowess. “I’m looking forward to playing Hubert tomorrow,” he said, relishing the challenge. Hurkacz, chasing his first final since June 2024, brings defensive solidity and serve-and-volley flair, but Djokovic’s return game—neutralizing 68% of second-serve points in Geneva—could prove decisive.
Beyond the milestone, the match is a dress rehearsal for Roland Garros, where Djokovic’s draw includes potential clashes with Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals and Jannik Sinner in the final. His 2024 French Open withdrawal due to a knee injury, exacerbated by a late-night match against Lorenzo Musetti, underscored the physical demands of clay. Yet, Djokovic’s mental fortitude, praised by John McEnroe as “unlike anything I’ve seen,” remains his greatest asset. His lighthearted side surfaced in Geneva, where he practiced with a fan’s racket, joking, “Maybe it’ll bring me luck.” As Djokovic steps onto Centre Court, his “good news” signals a champion rediscovering his spark, ready to etch another chapter in his storied career.
As the 2025 French Open approaches, Novak Djokovic is brimming with optimism, delivering “good news” to fans as he prepares for the Gonet Geneva Open final against Hubert Hurkacz on May 24. The 38-year-old Serbian, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is one win away from his 100th ATP Tour-level title, a feat only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) have achieved in the Open Era. After a challenging clay season marked by early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, Djokovic’s resurgence in Geneva, where he reached the final with a 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-1 victory over Cameron Norrie, signals a return to form. “I have some good news,” Djokovic shared post-match, his eyes gleaming with confidence. “I thought it was a good performance from me, solid. Compared to previous weeks, I felt better.” As he faces Hurkacz, the world No. 6, in the Swiss final, Djokovic’s pursuit of history and momentum for Roland Garros promises a thrilling showdown.
Djokovic’s Geneva campaign has been a masterclass in resilience. Following a 6-2, 6-3 rout of Marton Fucsovics and a 6-4, 6-4 win over Matteo Arnaldi, his semi-final against Norrie tested his mettle. After squandering a match point in the second-set tiebreak, Djokovic roared back, winning 12 of 13 points to start the third set. “It was the toughest match of the tournament for me so far, for sure,” he said, praising Norrie’s competitiveness. “I’m really glad how I regrouped in the third and played the best set of the tournament.” This marks his 143rd career final, a testament to his enduring brilliance, and a victory over Hurkacz would make him the third man to reach the century mark in titles, bolstering his confidence for the French Open, where he faces Mackenzie McDonald in the first round.
Hurkacz, the 28-year-old Polish sixth seed, is a formidable foe. Undefeated in sets in Geneva, he stormed into the final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Sebastian Ofner, following a commanding victory over top seed Taylor Fritz. Known for his thunderous serve—evidenced by 33 aces in a 2023 Wimbledon clash with Djokovic—Hurkacz holds a 7-2 clay record this season, including a 2024 Estoril title. “Hubert’s serve is incredibly accurate and powerful,” Djokovic acknowledged, referencing their 2019 Roland Garros encounter, one of seven straight wins in their head-to-head. Despite Hurkacz’s form, Djokovic’s experience on clay, including victories in 2019 Paris and 2023 Rome, gives him the edge. “It means a lot [to reach the final]. So let’s go for a title,” Djokovic declared, his focus unwavering.
The Geneva final, set for 9:00 AM ET at the Tennis Club de Genève, is a pivotal moment for Djokovic. His 2025 season has been title-less since the 2024 Olympic gold, with losses in Shanghai and Miami finals. The Geneva run, however, showcases a revitalized Djokovic, whose 78% first-serve points won and 28 winners against Norrie highlight his clay-court prowess. “I’m looking forward to playing Hubert tomorrow,” he said, relishing the challenge. Hurkacz, chasing his first final since June 2024, brings defensive solidity and serve-and-volley flair, but Djokovic’s return game—neutralizing 68% of second-serve points in Geneva—could prove decisive.
Beyond the milestone, the match is a dress rehearsal for Roland Garros, where Djokovic’s draw includes potential clashes with Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals and Jannik Sinner in the final. His 2024 French Open withdrawal due to a knee injury, exacerbated by a late-night match against Lorenzo Musetti, underscored the physical demands of clay. Yet, Djokovic’s mental fortitude, praised by John McEnroe as “unlike anything I’ve seen,” remains his greatest asset. His lighthearted side surfaced in Geneva, where he practiced with a fan’s racket, joking, “Maybe it’ll bring me luck.” As Djokovic steps onto Centre Court, his “good news” signals a champion rediscovering his spark, ready to etch another chapter in his storied career.
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