Novak Djokovic celebrated his 37th birthday in style on Wednesday, securing the 1,100th win of his illustrious career as he prepares to defend his French Open title. The world number one defeated Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann 6-3, 6-3 in the second round at the Parc des Eaux-Vives grounds in Geneva, advancing to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
With this victory, Djokovic joined the elite company of Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, becoming only the third man in history to reach the 1,100-win milestone. This remarkable achievement reaffirms Djokovic’s enduring excellence on the tennis court.
Djokovic’s decision to accept a wild card entry into the Geneva Open came amid concerns over his recent form. Seeking to regain his rhythm ahead of the French Open, the second Grand Slam of the year, Djokovic faced an uphill battle. His season record stood at 13 wins and five losses, and notably, he had yet to reach a tournament final in 2024.
After his commanding win over Hanfmann, the Geneva crowd showed their appreciation for the tennis legend by singing “Happy Birthday” as a cake adorned with candles was brought onto the court. Djokovic, visibly touched by the gesture, lifted the cake to show the crowd, took a celebratory bite, and graciously offered some to the ball boys and girls.
“The key was the birthday. My birthday probably wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t win the match,” Djokovic remarked with a smile. “It’s nice to be here for the first time in this tournament and to have my family here coming to support as well. I grew up with my aunt and my uncle and my two cousins for most of my life,” he added, acknowledging the presence of his relatives who now reside in Geneva.
Djokovic expressed his joy at being able to spend quality time both on and off the court with his family, whom he doesn’t often get to see. “Thank you so much for singing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song. That really touched me, so I’m very happy to win on this special day,” he said, clearly moved by the warm reception.
The match, which saw Djokovic trailing 0-3 in the second set due to a rain delay, demonstrated his resilience and skill. He quickly rallied to close out the contest, showcasing his trademark clean and consistent baseline play interspersed with deft drop shots.
Looking ahead, Djokovic is set to face either Denis Shapovalov or Tallon Griekspoor in the quarter-finals on Thursday. This upcoming match will be crucial as he continues to fine-tune his game before heading to Roland Garros.
As Djokovic continues his pursuit of excellence, his performance in Geneva serves as a testament to his enduring skill and determination. His ability to overcome challenges and achieve milestones even as he approaches the latter stages of his career is a source of inspiration for tennis fans worldwide. This birthday victory not only adds another chapter to his career but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting run at the French Open.
