Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis icon whose relentless drive has redefined the sport, etched his name deeper into history by clinching his 100th ATP Tour title at the Geneva Open, a milestone reached in a dramatic final against Hubert Hurkacz. The 38-year-old, already a record-holder with 24 Grand Slam titles, battled through a grueling three-hour match to secure a 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2) victory, joining legends Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer as the only men in the Open Era to amass a century of ATP titles. Moments after sealing the win with an ace, Djokovic’s first words on court captured the emotion and gratitude of a champion who has conquered nearly every pinnacle in tennis, yet still fights with the hunger of a newcomer.
“I had to work for it, that’s for sure,” Djokovic said, his voice tinged with relief and pride as he addressed the packed Geneva crowd. “Huby was probably closer to the victory the entire match than I was.” The humility in his words belied the tenacity that defined the match. Trailing after a first-set loss and facing a break deficit in the third, Djokovic’s resilience shone through as he rallied back, capitalizing on Hurkacz’s errors in a crucial game to level the score at 4-4 before dominating the tiebreak. “I don’t know how I broke his serve,” he admitted, reflecting on the fine margins that decided the outcome. “He probably broke himself in the third when he was 4-3 up, but this is what happens on this level, the highest level, a few points decide the winner.”
The Geneva triumph was more than a numerical milestone; it was a personal victory for Djokovic, who had endured a challenging 2024-25 season. After claiming Olympic gold in Paris, his 99th title, he faced setbacks, including an injury retirement at the Australian Open and early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid. The decision to take a wildcard entry into Geneva, his first tournament since parting ways with coach Andy Murray, proved a masterstroke. “An incredible match, 7-6 in the third with a full stadium, beautiful atmosphere,” he said. “So I’m just grateful to clinch the 100th here.” The presence of his wife, Jelena, and their children, who rushed onto the court to celebrate, added a deeply personal layer to the moment. “I want to thank my wife and my kids for coming for three days only on the school break, cutting the school for one day, just to be with me,” he shared, his voice warm with emotion.
Djokovic’s journey to 100 titles began nearly two decades ago in 2006, when a 19-year-old defeated Nicolas Massu—Hurkacz’s current coach—in Amersfoort for his first ATP title. That clay-court victory on a modest Dutch stage was a quiet launchpad for a career that would see him dominate all surfaces, from the hard courts of Melbourne to the grass of Wimbledon. His 100th title, fittingly on clay, came against the backdrop of a city with familial ties, as some of Djokovic’s relatives reside in Geneva. The emotional weight of the achievement was evident as he acknowledged his team’s support through the highs and lows. “My team, the only thing I can say is thank you for being with me in the good times but also in the bad times,” he said, referencing his fiery outburst during the match when he shouted in Serbian, “You don’t know s—!” at his box. “Today was very challenging to stay with me on the court because I was going off at you quite a lot … so I want to thank you for staying here and earning with me this victory number 100.”
The victory sets the stage for Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam at the French Open, where he faces Mackenzie McDonald in the first round. Despite a season of struggles, his performance in Geneva—marked by improved serving and relentless fight—signals a return to form. “I know it’s a bitter taste in the mouth to lose the match like this,” he told Hurkacz during the trophy presentation, praising his opponent’s dominance. “I think that you were definitely for most of the match, the better player.” Yet, it was Djokovic’s ability to seize critical moments that defined the outcome, a hallmark of his storied career.
As the tennis world looks to Roland Garros, Djokovic’s milestone resonates as a testament to his enduring greatness. From a war-torn childhood in Belgrade to global stardom, his journey embodies resilience and ambition. “I’m super glad that he’s using the potential that he has because he’s got the complete game,” Djokovic said of his younger rivals like Jakub Mensik, whom he faced earlier in the season. With his 100th title secured, Djokovic’s focus shifts to Paris, where he aims to further cement his legacy as the greatest men’s player in history, driven by a fire that shows no signs of fading.
# Novak Djokovic’s Emotional Triumph: First Words After 100th ATP Title in Geneva
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, made history by clinching his 100th ATP Tour title at the Geneva Open, defeating Hubert Hurkacz in a gripping 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2) final. The 38-year-old, with a record 24 Grand Slam titles, became only the third man in the Open Era to reach this milestone, joining Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer. His first words after the victory captured the emotion of a hard-fought triumph and gratitude for those who stood by him.
“I had to work for it, that’s for sure,” Djokovic said on court, addressing a vibrant Geneva crowd. “Huby was probably closer to the victory the entire match than I was.” Trailing after losing the first set and falling a break behind in the third, Djokovic’s resilience shone as he leveled the score at 4-4 and dominated the tiebreak. “I don’t know how I broke his serve,” he admitted. “He probably broke himself in the third when he was 4-3 up, but this is what happens on this level, the highest level, a few points decide the winner.”
The win was a high point in a challenging season, following early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid and a coaching split with Andy Murray. Taking a wildcard into Geneva proved pivotal. “An incredible match, 7-6 in the third with a full stadium, beautiful atmosphere,” he said. “So I’m just grateful to clinch the 100th here.” His family’s presence, including wife Jelena and their children, added emotional weight. “I want to thank my wife and my kids for coming for three days only on the school break, cutting the school for one day, just to be with me,” he shared.
Djokovic also acknowledged his team, referencing a fiery moment when he shouted in Serbian at his box. “My team, the only thing I can say is thank you for being with me in the good times but also in the bad times,” he said. “Today was very challenging to stay with me on the court because I was going off at you quite a lot … so I want to thank you for staying here and earning with me this victory number 100.” His words to Hurkacz were gracious: “I know it’s a bitter taste in the mouth to lose the match like this. I think that you were definitely for most of the match, the better player.”
The milestone, coming nearly 19 years after his first title in 2006, sets Djokovic up for the French Open, where he aims for a 25th Grand Slam. His Geneva performance, marked by strong serving and clutch play, signals a resurgence. With a legacy built on resilience, Djokovic’s 100th title is a testament to his enduring greatness, as he continues to chase history with unwavering determination.
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