Novak Djokovic won his 100th ATP title today in Geneva in a thrilling 57 76 76 triumph over Hubert Hurkacz. With the milestone, the 38 year old set another astounding record – he is the first player to ever win a title in 20 different seasons. The first title of Djokovic’s career was in 2006 at Amersfoort, against the current coach of Hurkasz, Nicolas Massu.
Hurkasz was in control of the match and in dominant form, behind his destructive serve which at times made Djokovic look helpless. But the crafty veteran hung in there and found a way to solve the dilemma.
The turning points came in the eighth game of the final set, with Hurkacz serving at 4-3 with a break. The Polish powerhouse had control of the first point but surprisingly hit a short forehand into the netcord. That was the opportunity Djokovic was waiting for. Then a double fault made it love-30. Djokovic eventually snatched the game with a passing winner at 30-40 off a volley to break back and reverse the momentum.
The match flowed into a tiebreaker where Djokovic was the more consistent shotmaker, provoking three misses by Hurkacz by no more than an inch. When the job was complete, Djokovic contained his celebration – this title was important but merely a steppingstone into the next tournament, Roland Garros.
“I was just trying to hang in there, I don’t know how I broke his serve,” said Djokovic. “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.”
The sixth seed was pure class in defeat. “Congrats to Novak, his family and his team. One hundred [titles], it’s a lot,” Hurkacz chuckled during the trophy ceremony. “It’s really inspiring how you present yourself on the court, off the court. It’s just incredible what you have achieved, so congrats for that and for what you have done for the whole sport of tennis.”
With 100 titles now, Djokovic only trails Jimmy Connors 109 and Roger Federer’s 103. Djokovic now leads Hurkacz 8-0 head to head.
Artwork by Andres Bella.
Hubert Hurkacz · Novak Djokovic
