Determined Djoko cracks his trophy century

Novak Djokovic achieved another career dream on Saturday, two days after turning 38, with the Serb claiming the 100th title of his career with victory at the Geneva Open.

The winner of a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles has been struggling with his game since lifting his last at the 2024 Paris Olympics and was reportedly struggling with motivation.

But the fire returned in time to defeat Hubert Hurkacz in a 5-7, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2) comeback on the Swiss clay to set the stage for a running start when play begins at Roland Garros in Paris on Sunday.

Djokovic battled from a set down and again from 2-4 in the third set to clinch the welcome victory in front of a sellout crowd at the lakeside city.

“I had to work for it, that’s for sure. Hubi was probably closer to victory [in] the entire match than I was,” Djokovic said. 

“I had some chances in the first set to break his serve, then had a bad game which ended up with the double fault on set point.”

He added: “I was just trying to hang in there, I don’t know how I broke his serve. He probably broke himself in the third, when he was 4-3 up, but this is what happens at the highest level. 

“Very few points decide the winner. Incredible match, 7-6 in the third with a full stadium, beautiful atmosphere. I’m just grateful to clinch the 100th here.”

Djokovic joins fellow greats Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) in the trophy century club, a journey for the Serb which began with his first title at Amersfoort in 2006, when he defeated Hurkacz’s current coach Nicolas Massu in the final.

Djokovic is now the first man in the post-1968 Open era to win titles over 20 different seasons.

The finals win marked his eighth without a loss against Poland’s Hurkacz, who suffered with knee problems last season.

Djokovic double-faulted on set point in an opening set in and got out of a jamb in the deciding set after Hurkacz achieved his 4-2 lead thanks to three love service games.

Main photo:- Novak Djokovic kisses his 100th Trophy in Geneve – by ATPTour.com