Novak Djokovic rallies from behind to defeat Hubert Hurkacz and joins tennis legends in winning 100 ATP tour-level titles.
Geneva [Switzerland], May 25: In a display of sheer determination and brilliance, Novak Djokovic secured his 100th career title at the Gonet Geneva Open on Saturday, rallying from a set down to outlast Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in a thrilling final. Djokovic prevailed 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2) after three hours and five minutes of intense battle, marking his first title since last year’s Paris Olympics gold.
“I had to work for it, that’s for sure. Hubi was probably closer to victory (in) the entire match than I was,” Djokovic admitted to the ATP Tour. “I had some chances in the first set to break his serve, then had a bad game which ended with the double fault on set point. I was just trying to hang in there.”
Despite trailing 2-4 in the final set, Djokovic’s trademark resilience shone through. He broke back at 3-4 and ultimately clinched the historic milestone in a packed stadium with fans roaring support. “I don’t know how I broke his serve. He probably broke himself in the third, but this is what happens at the highest level. Very few points decide the winner,” he said, reflecting on the marathon match.
This victory places Djokovic among an elite club of tennis greats, joining Jimmy Connors (109 titles) and Roger Federer (103) as the only men in the Open Era to reach 100 ATP tour-level titles. The 38-year-old Serbian legend also becomes the first man to win a title in 20 different seasons, underscoring his enduring greatness.
Hurkacz, who has battled back from knee surgery last year, was gracious in defeat. “Congrats to Novak, his family and his team. One hundred (titles), it’s a lot,” he said. “It’s really inspiring how you present yourself on the court, off the court. It’s just incredible what you have achieved.”
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum swings. Hurkacz didn’t drop a point in his first three service games of the final set, but Djokovic’s relentless pressure forced errors at a crucial moment in the eighth game. Djokovic sealed the comeback with a stunning passing shot, etching another historic achievement into his storied career.