Novak Djokovic beats Cameron Norrie in 'toughest match of the tournament' to reach Geneva final in quest for 100th ATP career title
Updated 23/05/2025 at 18:35 GMT+1
A 100th career title is tantalisingly close for Novak Djokovic after he overcame a spirited Cameron Norrie in Geneva. Norrie looked like he could spring a surprise at the ATP 250 tournament after winning a second-set tie-break, but the Serbian showed his class with a comprehensive showing in the decider. Hubert Hurkacz will be the man standing between Djokovic and another career milestone.
Racquet smash helps Djokovic 'find optimal state' as he makes Geneva semi on birthday
Video credit: TNT Sports
Novak Djokovic moved one win away from securing the 100th title of his career after overcoming Cameron Norrie with a 6-4 6-7(8) 6-1 victory to progress into the final at Geneva.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner overcame the spirited former British No. 1 following two hours and 16 minutes of play in Switzerland, and will take on Hubert Hurkacz in the tournament’s final on Saturday.
"That was the toughest match of the tournament for me so far, for sure," Djokovic said after his victory.
"Three sets, in the second set he was a break up, and I managed to come back to the set tie-break. At match point, it got a bit tight there, I missed a couple of mid-court shots.
"That’s what happens, but I’m really glad how I regrouped in the third and played the best set of the tournament. It means a lot, so let’s go for that."
Norrie started well, only for Djokovic to take control midway through the first set with a break. The Serbian, buoyed by his impeccable serve, capitalised to claim the first set 6-4 in 38 minutes.
But the second set was less straightforward for Djokovic, as Norrie broke to lead 4-1, taking advantage of a double fault from the 24-time Grand Slam winner as well as two missed forehands.
However, Djokovic overcame an error-prone 20 minutes to bring the set back on serve and ultimately earn himself a tie-break.
Yet Norrie, who was competing in his first semi-final of the year and had previously lost 12 straight encounters against top-10 opposition, held on to 7-6 to force a third set.
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The third set was much more straightforward for Djokovic, who wrapped up the decider in a mere 30 minutes.
He moved a double break up to go 5-1 ahead and wrapped up the match with a hold to 15.
Hurkacz, the No. 6 seed, beat Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 to reach the final, which will be played on Saturday.
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