Historical past made on Swiss clay!
Novak Djokovic has gained his first ever title in Geneva, and it’s a huge one.
This victory marks the one centesimal title of his superb profession! The 24-time Grand Slam champion pulled off a troublesome comeback win over the sixth seed Hubert Hurkacz with a 5-7, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2) triumph after three hours and 5 minutes of excessive stage tennis.
With this win, Novak turns into solely the third man in tennis historical past to succeed in 100 ATP titles, becoming a member of the legendary Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).
Within the first set, each gamers held serve till the very finish. Novak had break level possibilities within the fifth recreation however missed them. Then, at 5-6, he double-faulted twice in a row, handing the set to his rival. The Polish participant edged out the set with barely higher serving and fewer errors.
Within the second set, Novak had possibilities to interrupt early, however Hurkacz saved them with robust serving. Novak performed aggressively, particularly on the web, and he appeared sharp. The set went to a tie-break, and this time Novak took management, staying calm and targeted whereas Hurkacz struggled beneath stress. Each had 17 winners, however Novak made fewer errors and took the set 7-6 (2).
The decisive set didn’t begin nicely for Novak. He misplaced his serve immediately and trailed 1-3. The Serbian star couldn’t win a single level on the Pole’s first three service video games. However at two hours and 40 minutes into the match, Novak lastly bought a break probability and consolidated it. He tied it up at 4-4, and as soon as once more, they headed right into a tie-break. Novak once more stayed cool beneath stress and completed the match in model.
“I needed to work for it, that’s for certain. Hubi was most likely nearer to victory in your entire match than I used to be,” Djokovic stated. “I had some possibilities within the first set to interrupt his serve, then had a nasty recreation which ended up with the double fault on set level. I used to be simply attempting to hold in there, I don’t know the way I broke his serve. He most likely broke himself within the third, when he was 4-3 up, however that is what occurs on the highest stage. Only a few factors determine the winner. Unimaginable match, 7-6 within the third with a full stadium, lovely ambiance. I’m simply grateful to clinch the one centesimal right here.”
The Geneva event win is Novak’s first title in 2025, and the right warm-up for the second Main occasion of the season, the Roland Garros, which begins tomorrow.
Novak will face American Mackenzie McDonald (ATP no. 99) within the first spherical in Paris on Tuesday. The 2 have by no means performed one another earlier than.
Photograph: Profimedia
