Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, added another chapter to his storied career at the 2025 Geneva Open, where he clinched a hard-fought victory and walked away with two trophies, marking a historic milestone. At 38 years old, Djokovic battled past Hubert Hurkacz in a gripping final to claim his 100th ATP Tour singles title, becoming only the third man in the Open Era to reach this milestone, joining Jimmy Connors (109 titles) and Roger Federer (103 titles). The victory, a 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2) thriller that lasted over three hours, showcased Djokovic’s trademark resilience and mental fortitude. In a poignant moment during the trophy presentation, he was also honored with a special award for his 100-title achievement, celebrated with three golden balloons spelling out “1-0-0” on the court. As he prepares for the French Open, where he aims to secure a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic’s Geneva triumph is a testament to his enduring greatness.
The Geneva final was a test of endurance and skill, with Djokovic facing a formidable opponent in Hurkacz, the world No. 6, who had undergone meniscus surgery the previous year. “Hubert was probably closer to the victory the entire match than I was,” Djokovic admitted, reflecting on the match’s intensity. A double fault on set point handed Hurkacz the first set, and the Pole broke early in the third, leading 4-3. But Djokovic, known for his ability to turn matches around, dug deep. “I don’t know how I broke his serve,” he said, crediting a mix of grit and Hurkacz’s errors for his comeback. In the decisive tiebreakers, Djokovic’s precision shone, as he dominated to seal the victory after three hours and five minutes—the longest match of the tournament. Hurkacz, gracious in defeat, praised his opponent: “It’s really inspiring how you present yourself on the court, off the court. It’s just incredible what you have achieved.”
This milestone victory, Djokovic’s first title since his Olympic gold medal win at Roland Garros in 2024, came at a critical juncture. The 2025 season had been challenging, with losses in finals at the Shanghai and Miami Masters and early exits in Doha, Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid. “I was confronting a new reality,” Djokovic had said earlier in the year, acknowledging the difficulties of maintaining his elite level at 38. Yet, Geneva proved his fire still burns. The win not only marked his 100th title but also made him the first man in the Open Era to win a title in 20 different seasons, a record that underscores his longevity. His first ATP title, also on clay, came in 2006 at Amersfoort, and now, nearly two decades later, he continues to defy time.
The emotional weight of the moment was palpable during the trophy ceremony. Djokovic, joined by his wife and children who traveled to Geneva during their school break, expressed gratitude: “Primarily I want to thank my wife and kids for coming for three days just to be with me.” He also thanked his team for enduring “this level of craziness” on and off the court, highlighting the collective effort behind his success. The second trophy, a special accolade for reaching 100 titles, was a surprise that moved him deeply. “My dad likes trophies more than I do, so I gave him mine,” he later quipped, revealing that his Olympic gold medal was with his father, though he carried a photo of it in his bag during the French Open.
Djokovic’s Geneva triumph sets the stage for his Roland Garros campaign, where he kicked off his quest for a fourth French Open title with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 win over Mackenzie McDonald. “I still remember last year’s Olympic Games. It was the last time I was here,” he said, referencing his gold-medal victory on the same clay. Despite windy and wet conditions, Djokovic’s performance was clinical, with McDonald noting, “He makes it seem like a video game, almost, for him.” As he faces a tough draw, including a potential second-round clash with Gaël Monfils, Djokovic remains focused. “I don’t know how many more Grand Slams I’ve got left in my body,” he told the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd, a rare admission of mortality from a player who has redefined what’s possible in tennis.
With 24 Grand Slam titles, 40 ATP Masters titles, and now 100 ATP Tour titles, Djokovic’s legacy is unmatched. His ability to adapt across surfaces—71 titles on hard courts, 20 on clay, and eight on grass, including seven Wimbledons—has earned him praise as the greatest all-court player ever. As he chases a 25th major, the Geneva victory, complete with two trophies, serves as a reminder of his relentless drive. Whether it’s outlasting younger opponents or adding to his trophy cabinet, Djokovic continues to write history, one victory at a time.
# Novak Djokovic’s Historic 100th Title in Geneva
## A Milestone Victory
Novak Djokovic, at 38, achieved a historic milestone at the 2025 Geneva Open, defeating Hubert Hurkacz 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2) to claim his 100th ATP Tour singles title. The three-hour, five-minute final, the tournament’s longest match, earned him two trophies: the Geneva Open title and a special award for reaching 100 titles, celebrated with golden “1-0-0” balloons. He became the third man in the Open Era, after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, to reach this mark.
## A Hard-Fought Battle
Facing world No. 6 Hurkacz, Djokovic battled from behind. “Hubert was probably closer to the victory the entire match than I was,” he said, noting a double fault that cost him the first set. Hurkacz led 4-3 in the third, but Djokovic’s resilience shone in the tiebreakers. “I don’t know how I broke his serve,” he admitted. Hurkacz praised him: “It’s really inspiring how you present yourself on the court, off the court.”
## Overcoming Challenges
The 2025 season had tested Djokovic, with final losses in Shanghai and Miami and early exits elsewhere. “I was confronting a new reality,” he said. Geneva marked his first title since the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he won gold. The win also made him the first man to claim a title in 20 different seasons, a feat stretching back to his 2006 Amersfoort victory.
## Emotional Triumph
During the ceremony, Djokovic thanked his family: “Primarily I want to thank my wife and kids for coming for three days just to be with me.” The surprise second trophy for his 100-title milestone moved him deeply. “My dad likes trophies more than I do, so I gave him mine,” he quipped, referencing his Olympic medal.
## Roland Garros Awaits
Djokovic’s Geneva success sets the stage for the French Open, where he began with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 win over Mackenzie McDonald. “I still remember last year’s Olympic Games,” he said, reflecting on his Roland Garros gold. McDonald noted, “He makes it seem like a video game.” As Djokovic eyes a 25th Grand Slam, his Geneva triumph underscores his enduring greatness.
A special trophy for a special man…
24 Slams
100 titlesCongratulations @DjokerNole! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/WGJAAYM2Lc
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2025
Leave a Reply