Novak Djokovic moved to within one win of securing his 100th ATP title after defeating Britain's Cameron Norrie in a hard-fought Geneva Open semi-final on Friday.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion prevailed 6-4, 6-7 (6-8), 6-1 in a match lasting two hours and 15 minutes.
The 38-year-old Serbian, who celebrated his birthday on Thursday, missed a match point in the second set before dominating the decider, racing to a 3-0 lead whilst dropping just one point in those games.
Victory in Saturday's final would see Djokovic become just the third man in the Open era to reach the milestone of 100 ATP titles, joining American Jimmy Connors (109) and Swiss legend Roger Federer (103).
Novak Djokovic is through to the final of the Geneva Open
PA
The former world number one has been pursuing this landmark since claiming his 99th title at the Paris Olympics last summer, having previously fallen short in finals at the Shanghai Masters and Miami Open in recent months.
"It was the toughest match of tournament for me so far, for sure," Djokovic said in his on-court interview.
"In the second set, he was a break up and I managed to come back to the tie-break, I had a match point, I got a little bit tight there.
"But I'm really glad how I regrouped in the third and played the best set of the tournament."
The Serb hit 34 winners and conceded 25 unforced errors, winning 23 more points overall than Norrie.
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Djokovic will face Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in the final, who defeated Austrian Sebastian Ofner 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first final since losing to Jannik Sinner in Halle last June.
The Serb will likely fancy his chances against Hurkacz, having dominated their head-to-head by 7-0.
"It means a lot, so let's go for a title," added Djokovic, who is playing in his first event since splitting from coach and former rival Andy Murray.
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Title No. 100 in sight again 👀@DjokerNole defeats Norrie 6-4 6-7 6-1 to reach his 143rd(!) ATP Final and will face Hurkacz for the Geneva crown!#gonetgenevaopen pic.twitter.com/WXHyYS2xcp
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 23, 2025
The Geneva Open serves as crucial preparation for Djokovic ahead of the French Open, which begins on Sunday.
The Serb will start his bid for a fourth Roland Garros triumph and record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title when he faces American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round.
It has been a disappointing clay-court season for Djokovic thus far, having suffered immediate exits in Madrid and Monte Carlo before finding form this week in Switzerland.
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