Novak Djokovic etched his name further into tennis history, securing his 100th ATP singles title with a hard-fought comeback victory over Hubert Hurkacz in Geneva on Saturday.
The Serbian star, 38, became only the third man in the Open era to reach this milestone, joining legends Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.Facing Poland’s Hurkacz, against whom he held a perfect 7-0 record, Djokovic battled from a break down in the third set to clinch a 5-7, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-2) victory in a grueling three-hour, eight-minute final.
The match, played before a packed stadium, saw Djokovic’s children rush onto the court to celebrate with their father, while his wife, Jelena, cheered from the stands.
“I had to work for it, that’s for sure,” Djokovic said. “Hubi was probably closer to victory for most of the match. It was an incredible atmosphere, and I’m grateful to clinch my 100th title here.”
The win provided Djokovic with crucial clay-court momentum ahead of the French Open, which begins today. Having struggled on the surface recently, with no wins in his last five tournaments, Djokovic now heads to Paris to face American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round.