Novak Djokovic edged closer to a major career milestone with a gritty semi-final win over Britain's Cameron Norrie at the Geneva Open, moving within one victory of his 100th ATP Tour-level singles title.

The Serbian star, currently ranked world number six, prevailed 6-4, 6-7 (6-8), 6-1 after a hard-fought two-hour, 15-minute battle. With this win, Djokovic aims to join an elite club—becoming only the third man in the Open Era to reach 100 ATP titles, alongside Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.

Djokovic, who turned 38 on Thursday, has endured a challenging clay court season, with early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid. 

Geneva offers a timely opportunity for a confidence boost ahead of the French Open, where he will chase a record 25th Grand Slam title. He is set to face Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in Saturday’s final.

“It was definitely the toughest match of the tournament for me so far,” Djokovic admitted after the win. “But I’m pleased with how I responded in the third set. It was my best tennis all week.”

Despite a strong start, Djokovic was tested in the second set as Norrie, appearing in his first semi-final of the season, rallied to force a decider. 

The Briton broke early and pushed Djokovic into errors, but the world number 90 missed key opportunities, including a set point at 5-2. 

A tight tie-break finally swung in Norrie’s favour after Djokovic committed a costly unforced error.

However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion stormed back in the final set, breaking twice to seal victory and book his second final of the season—his first since finishing runner-up in Miami.

Djokovic will begin his French Open campaign on Sunday against American Mackenzie McDonald at Roland Garros.

Source: BBC

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