This week’s Geneva ATP 250 tournament has a surprise entrant. Novak Djokovic, with his 24 Grand Slams and an overall title count of 99, entered a 250 event for the first time since Brisbane in late December.
The top players often skip these tournaments. They’re obligated to enter Grand Slams and at least eight of the nine Masters 1000s. But they don’t have to enter 250s, and there’s not much at stake for them compared to 1000 points at a Masters or 2000 at a Slam.
So why is Djokovic playing Geneva?
The Hunt for 100
Djokovic has been eyeing his 100th title ever since winning Olympic gold last summer. He’s made no secret of his ambitions to set various records. While he’s behind two male former players—Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103)—it’s likely Djokovic wants to reach the nice round 100 at least.
This might be his motivation for entering. He’s broken nearly every other record.
In Djokovic’s match on Wednesday, one of the Sky Sports commentators commented on the theme: “37 years old and all he’s done (…) Even Djokovic, maybe there could be a drop off in concentration.”
There’s also the fact that he hadn’t won on clay in 2025 before this week. Djokovic needs to build some momentum before Roland Garros – one of the four tournaments he really cares about.
Djokovic in Geneva
Ranked 6th in the world and seeded 2nd, Djokovic received a first round bye and drew Márton Fucsovics in the second round. In five previous meetings, Fuscovics had only won three sets. Wednesday’s match was similarly straightforward for Djokovic, who looked more like his normal self after early exits in Madrid and Monte Carlo. He looked focused, fast and hungrier than he has done in recent months.
On set point in the first set (0:56), Djokovic played two disciplined, high percentage slices crosscourt, before a trademark open-stance backhand down the line winner. He wouldn’t try that unless he was in good rhythm, let alone make it with such precision.
Rather than celebrating with a Salt Bae imitation, he shook his racket towards his team in a business-like fashion. There was a slight smirk, perhaps in acknowledgement of how good the shot was, or a feeling that he was on the right path.
He did, though, appear to have a cold, blowing his nose and coughing. In the second set Djokovic had a medical timeout and received treatment for a blister on his right foot. After a long rally a few minutes later, Djokovic was hunched over and breathing heavily.
He won his second match point (2:33) with a sweetly timed backhand down the line. Djokovic looked happy with the win, particularly when fist pumping in celebration towards his wife and coaching team.
Djokovic said his serve was his strongest shot in the match. He also mentioned his focus and said he was happy with his level.
Arnaldi Revenge
In the next round on Thursday, Djokovic won in straight sets against Matteo Arnaldi, who he lost to in his first match at the Madrid Masters a few weeks ago.
Playing on his 38th birthday, Djokovic looked a different person than the comparatively carefree player in Madrid.
He played with a greater intensity from the first few games, smashed his racket in frustration when Arnaldi broke him in the second set, and later roared in celebration.
Djokovic said after the match, “I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed.”
Today Djokovic faces Cameron Norrie, who he’d always expect to beat. The other semi-final is between Hubert Hurkacz, who knocked out top seed Taylor Fritz in the quarters, and qualifier Sebastian Ofner who upset Karen Khachanov. Djokovic has a 7-0 ATP head-to-head record over Hurkacz. He’ll be fancying his chances for the title.