Djokovic cruises into Geneva quarter-finals

Friday, 23 May 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic cruised into the quarter-finals at the Geneva Open as he began his latest bid for a 100th ATP title with a straight-set victory over Marton Fucsovics.

Djokovic, who turns 38 on Thursday, won 6-2 6-3 to record his first win on clay since completing the career Golden Slam at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games last summer.

The Serb will return to the scene of that triumph – Roland Garros – for the French Open in pursuit of a record-breaking 25th major title from Sunday.

Finalising his preparation for the second slam of the year, this opening victory in Geneva ended a three-match losing streak for Djokovic following first-round exits in Madrid and Monte Carlo since losing the Miami Open final in March. Seeded second in Switzerland, behind world number four Taylor Fritz, the sixth-ranked Djokovic will meet Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi for a place in the last four.

“It’s great to break the ice in a way,” Djokovic said on court after ending his wait for a win on clay.

“It’s a very demanding surface. We all know how tricky it is to play on clay compared to the other surfaces. You always have to expect to play another one or two shots. “I’m very glad to be able to play the best tennis when it was most needed. All the way through I was quite focused and pleased with the level of tennis, so hopefully that can continue.”