Novak Djokovic celebrated his 38th birthday in electrifying fashion on Wednesday, avenging an earlier-season loss to Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi with a commanding 6-4, 6-4 victory to book his spot in the Geneva Open semi-finals.
Just last month, Djokovic endured a shocking defeat at the hands of Arnaldi during his rough clay-court stretch, a period marked by early exits in Monte Carlo, Madrid, and a painful Miami Open final loss. But on his special day, the Serbian legend flipped the script.
Under cold, tricky conditions, Djokovic rediscovered his form and intensity, silencing doubts about his fitness and focus ahead of the French Open, which kicks off this Sunday. With a roar of triumph and a post-match birthday cake presented courtside, it was clear this win meant more than just a step toward another title, it was a statement.
Now just two victories away from claiming his historic 100th ATP singles title, a milestone previously achieved only by Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors, Djokovic is back in contention at full throttle. He will face Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the semi-finals, a player who staged his own comeback thriller earlier in the day.
Norrie clawed back from a 3-5 deficit in the first set to overcome Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, triumphing 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 in a gritty encounter. This marks Norrie’s first semi-final appearance of the season, and he’ll now have to overcome one of tennis’s greatest forces to keep his Geneva dream alive.
“I was a bit nervous going into the match,” Norrie admitted. “But I’m finally having fun again, and that’s making the difference.”
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As for Djokovic, his journey to this point hasn’t been smooth. Against Arnaldi, he started strong, securing the first set with an early break. But things got rocky in the second. Down 1-4, visibly frustrated and battling knee discomfort from last year’s surgery, Djokovic smashes his racket, a rare emotional display. But instead of unraveling, the outburst seemed to reignite him.
What followed was vintage Djokovic: five straight games, a dominant close, and a defiant smile as the crowd sang him happy birthday.
“After the racket smash, I found the right balance mentally and emotionally,” Djokovic said. “That allowed me to bring out my best tennis when it mattered most.”
With the French Open looming, the tennis world is watching. If Wednesday’s performance is any indication, Novak Djokovic isn’t just back, he’s dangerous, determined, and hungry for Grand Slam No. 25.
