Novak Djokovic is one game away from joining Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors in historic milestone

Novak Djokovic took a significant step toward tennis history by defeating Cameron Norrie in the Geneva Open semifinals. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is now set to face Hubert Hurkacz in the final, with the opportunity to join Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors as the only players in the Open Era to achieve 100 official ATP titles.

If Djokovic claims the title at the Swiss clay-court tournament, he will become the third player in history to hit the century mark, alongside Jimmy Connors (109 titles) and Roger Federer (103).

The Serbian icon had his first chance to reach the milestone earlier this season at the Miami Open but fell short, losing the final to rising star Jakub Mensik. Since then, Djokovic has struggled to find his rhythm, suffering surprising losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid to Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi, respectively.

Following those setbacks, Djokovic opted to skip the Rome Open—marking the first time he missed the event since his 2007 debut. The decision appears to have paid off, as he has displayed strong form in Geneva, using the tournament as a springboard to prepare for the Roland Garros.

Djokovic on his semifinal performance

Norrie pushed Djokovic to the limit, becoming the first opponent to take a set off him at the Geneva Open. The Brit claimed a tense second set in a tiebreak, 6-7(6), but Djokovic rebounded with a dominant 6-1 third set to secure his spot in the final.

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“It was the toughest match of the tournament for me so far, three sets,” Djokovic said post-match. “[In] the second set, he was a break up, and I managed to come back to the tie-break. I had a match point and got a little tight there. But I’m really glad how I regrouped in the third and played the best set of the tournament”.

What’s next for Djokovic?

The Geneva Open final is set for Saturday, May 24, where Djokovic will face Hubert Hurkacz. The Polish star has yet to drop a set in the tournament and secured impressive wins, including a victory over top seed Taylor Fritz.

After Geneva, Djokovic will shift his focus to Roland Garros. The Serbian legend is slated to face American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round on Monday, May 26, as he seeks his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.