Novak Djokovic on Saturday became just the third man to win 100 ATP titles with a typically dramatic comeback victory over Hubert Hurkacz in the final of the Geneva Open.
The 38-year-old, playing in Switzerland in a bid to find form ahead of the French Open, recovered from losing the first set to clinch a 5-7, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/2) win after three hours and five minutes on court.
Djokovic joins Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer as the only players with a century of tour titles.
Photo: EPA-EFE
“I had to work for it, that’s for sure. He was probably closer to the victory the entire match than me,” said Djokovic, who is the first man to win titles in 20 consecutive years.
“I was just trying to hang in there ... this is what happens at this level. A few points decide it, an incredible match ... and I’m delighted to clinch the 100 here,” he added.
It was the former world No. 1’s first tournament triumph since clinching his maiden Olympic gold medal against Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Games last summer.
Djokovic had lost both of his previous matches on clay this season prior to the Geneva tournament, against Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi at the Monte Carlo and Madrid Masters respectively.
He played at the low-key clay-court event in a bid to find form ahead of the start of the year’s second Grand Slam event yesterday at Roland Garros, where the Serb would be targeting a record-breaking 25th major singles trophy.
Poland’s former world No. 6 Hurkacz, now ranked 31st, is still waiting for his first title since April last year.
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