Novak Djokovic secured his 100th career tour-level title on Saturday at the Gonet Geneva Open, overcoming a tough challenge from Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in a gripping final. The top seed rallied from a set down to win 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2), making it the longest match of the tournament at three hours and five minutes, according to the ATP Tour.
This victory puts Djokovic in elite company, as he becomes only the third man in the Open Era to reach 100 titles, joining Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103). It’s a huge milestone in a career filled with records.
“I Had to Work for It”
After the match, Djokovic admitted just how tough the battle was.
“I had to work for it, that’s for sure. Hubi was probably closer to victory the entire match than I was,” Djokovic said.
He recalled losing a key game in the first set with a double fault on set point and praised Hurkacz’s level.
“I was just trying to hang in there… He probably broke himself in the third, when he was 4-3 up.”
Despite trailing 2-4 in the final set, Djokovic showed his trademark resilience. The turning point came when Hurkacz, serving at 4-3, made a string of errors, including a costly double fault. Djokovic broke back and then powered through the tiebreak to seal the win.
Novak Djokovic Oldest Geneva Champion & Record-Setter
At 38 years old, Djokovic is now the oldest player to win the Geneva Open. This also marks his first title since winning gold at the Paris Olympics last year. With this triumph, he becomes the first man in the Open Era to win a tour-level title in 20 different seasons — an astonishing feat.
Notably, Djokovic’s first title came in 2006, when he defeated Nicolas Massu — who now coaches Hurkacz.
Hurkacz Puts Up a Fight
Hubert Hurkacz, who returned from meniscus surgery last July, was chasing his ninth ATP title and second on clay. He started strong in the final set, winning all points in his first three service games, but couldn’t stop Novak Djokovic late surge.
Still, the Pole was full of praise for the champion.
“Congrats to Novak, his family and his team. One hundred — it’s a lot,” Hurkacz said.
“It’s really inspiring how you present yourself on the court and off the court. What you’ve done for tennis is incredible.”
Djokovic’s historic win in Geneva adds yet another chapter to his legendary career — one that’s far from over.
