Did Djokovic Overcome a Knee Scare to Reach SF in Geneva?
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Synopsis
On his 38th birthday, Novak Djokovic fought back to defeat Matteo Arnaldi at the Geneva Open, securing a place in the semi-finals. This remarkable comeback showcased Djokovic's resilience and skill, as he looks to capture his 100th title. Excitement builds as he prepares to face Cameron Norrie next.
Key Takeaways
- Novak Djokovic celebrated his 38th birthday with a win.
- He overcame a knee scare to reach the semi-finals.
- Djokovic aims for his 100th career title.
- Cameron Norrie will be his next opponent.
- Hubert Hurkacz defeated top seed Taylor Fritz.
Geneva, May 23 (NationPress) Novak Djokovic marked his 38th birthday with a hard-fought victory at the Geneva Open. The second seed managed to secure a 6-4, 6-4 win against Matteo Arnaldi, advancing to the semi-finals of this clay ATP 250 event for the second year in a row.
Djokovic, who previously lost to Arnaldi at the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid last month, staged an impressive comeback by winning five consecutive games from 1-4 down in the second set, wrapping up the match in one hour and forty minutes.
“It’s fantastic to reach the semi-finals again. My aim is to go at least one step further this year. I feel I’m playing excellent tennis. Though it was a straight-sets victory, it was closer than it appears. I was down 4-1 in the second but managed to turn it around without dropping another game,” he shared.
“I discovered the perfect balance, both mentally and emotionally, to perform my best when it mattered most. I hope to maintain this momentum into tomorrow,” Djokovic added.
Now, Djokovic is just two wins away from securing his 100th tour-level title, which would place him alongside Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the only men in the Open Era to achieve this milestone.
His next opponent will be qualifier Cameron Norrie, who triumphed over fifth seed Alexei Popyrin with a score of 7-6(6), 6-4, marking his ninth tour-level semi-final appearance on clay and his first since Rio de Janeiro last year.
In the other half of the draw, Hubert Hurkacz continued his impressive form by defeating top seed Taylor Fritz with a score of 6-3, 7-6(5) in a thrilling serving contest.
Hurkacz, who reached the quarter-finals at the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome last week, previously won the last clay-court ATP 250 he competed in at Estoril last year. He was trailing 1-3 in the second-set tie-break against Fritz but responded with an ace at 5-5 before converting his match point.
Hurkacz will face qualifier Sebastian Ofner, who came back to beat fourth seed Karen Khachanov with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Ofner aims to make it to his second final after reaching the championship match at the grass-court ATP 250 in Mallorca last year.
Point of View
Djokovic's victory at the Geneva Open exemplifies his determination and skill, even in the face of adversity. His pursuit of a historic milestone adds to the excitement surrounding the tournament, reinforcing his status as a leading figure in the sport.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Djokovic's score against Matteo Arnaldi?
Djokovic won with a score of 6-4, 6-4.
Who will Djokovic face next in the Geneva Open?
Djokovic's next opponent is Cameron Norrie.
How many titles has Djokovic won in his career?
Djokovic is currently aiming for his 100th tour-level title.
What was the significant comeback Djokovic made in the match?
Djokovic rallied from 1-4 down in the second set to win.
Who did Hubert Hurkacz defeat in the tournament?
Hurkacz defeated Taylor Fritz with a score of 6-3, 7-6(5).
