"I didn't hear the bell": Novak Djokovic hits 100 titles and reignites hope ahead of Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic reached the century mark on Saturday with an impressive victory over Hubert Hurkacz in one of the best three-set matches of the season. The Serbian now heads to Roland Garros not only having turned things around on clay, but full of confidence thanks to the manner in which he lifted the trophy. Does he stand a real chance in Paris?

If there’s one thing Novak Djokovic has consistently proven throughout his career, it’s that you can never count him out. And with this win in Switzerland, the former world No. 1 has shifted the narrative after a string of unconvincing performances on clay.

When news broke that the legendary Serbian would play the Geneva Open, it didn’t make too many waves. Djokovic’s intentions were clear: to give himself one last shot at playing on clay, to change the sensations he had felt in Madrid and Monte Carlo, where his impatience stood out—largely due to his legs not responding the way he needed them to.

After his early exit at the Caja Mágica at the hands of Arnaldi, Djokovic entered the tournament held in Switzerland (where he had also played last season) and, likely before this week even began, hit the gym to strengthen his lower body and regain his foot speed.

At 38 years old and following a coaching change after the short-lived experiment with Andy Murray, Djokovic began his run in Geneva by picking up that much-needed first win of the season, defeating Fucsovics in straight sets. From there, he didn’t look back.

Midway through the tournament, the main draw for Roland Garros was revealed—undoubtedly a source of motivation for the 24-time Grand Slam champion. The Serbian finds himself in a relatively favorable section, opening against Mackenzie McDonald in a winnable first-round match, followed potentially by a second-round clash with Frenchman Corentin Moutet. This doesn’t mean Djokovic will cruise without resistance, but these are opponents who shouldn’t push him too hard physically.

His first major test would likely come in the second week against Daniil Medvedev, but as always, it’s one thing to face Djokovic in the early rounds and quite another to meet him in the second week—when he already smells blood. No one has more experience in Grand Slams than the Serbian.

It will all depend on how efficiently he can get through the early rounds, but the outlook has definitely changed.

Djokovic didn’t just gain the continuity he’d been longing for on clay—he earned it through a sensational victory over a relentless Hurkacz. Three hours and eight minutes of battle, with a scoreline that says it all: 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2). Suddenly, the former world No. 1 found himself celebrating an emotional win—one that also cements his place in tennis history with 100 career titles.

A wide range of possibilities now opens up for Novak Djokovic heading into the second major of the season. From having won nothing and raising more doubts than answers in his previous appearances, the iconic Serbian now knows he’s just seven best-of-five matches away from giving it his all—and potentially shaking up a draw that doesn’t seem particularly prone to upsets.

Will he finally capture that elusive 25th Grand Slam title in Paris?