Novak Djokovic Close to 100th Title: beats Cameron Norrie in Geneva Open
Geneva Open: Djokovic Closes in on 100th Title, beats Cameron Norrie
Novak Djokovic is now one step away from his 100th ATP Tour-level singles title after a hard-fought win over Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the semi-finals at the Geneva Open.
Djokovic is on his way to become the third man after Jimmy Connors and Goger Federer to win 100 ATP titles in the Open era.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion got one step closer to this milestone with a shard 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-1 win over Norrie.
This means, he will face Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the final on Saturday.
However, it has been bad clay season for Djokovic. He suffered immediate knockouts in Madrid and Monte Carlo.
An ATP 250 title in Geneva could be a great confidence booster for him, prior to the French Open.
A win in the French Open will be a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
He will be facing American, Mackenzie McDonald in the first round at the Roland Garros, which begins on Sunday.
Novak Djokovic vs Cameron Norrie, More Details
Also, Norrie won just two points from Novak Djokovic’s first serve in the first set as the Serbian raced through the opener.
This was Cameron Norrie’s first semi-final of the season.
However, Briton took charge in the second set and challenged Djokovic’s serve for the first time to move 4-1 in front.
A double fault by Novak brought up a set point for Norrie, but he missed his chance, which allowed Nova to break back and level at 5-5
Norrie redeemed himself in a tricky tie-break, saving a match point before an unforced error from Djokovic took the last-four tie to a deciding set.
Novak Djokivic gained back his dominance by winning the first three games of the third set.
This was a gap that Norrie was not able to close as he was defeated to allow Djokovic to serve out victory after two hours, 15 minutes.
Djokovic had this to say
“I’m really glad how I regrouped in the third and played the best set of the tournament,” added Djokovic, who is playing in his first event since splitting from coach Andy Murray.
“It means a lot (to reach the final). So let’s go for a title.”
It will be Djokovic’s second final of the season after the Miami Open in March, where he lost to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik.
