NOVAK DJOKOVIC celebrated becoming the third man to win a century of ATP Tour titles – 11 days after his split with Andy Murray.
The Serbian superstar – regarded by many as the best male player in history – came from behind to win the Geneva Open, beating Giant Pole Hubert Hurkacz 5-7 7-6 7-6 in a hard-fought final.
His wife Jelena watched on in the stands while their two children, Stefan and Tara, joined in the celebrations on the court.
Djokovic joins a small group of centurions, emulating American Jimmy Connors, who lifted a record 109 titles, and Roger Federer, who retired three years ago with 103 on his CV.
Two days after his 38th birthday, Djokovic managed to prevail in more than three hours of combat in Switzerland.
Yet the amount of time spent on court is not exactly ideal preparation given he will now head to Paris for the French Open first round on Tuesday.
Djokovic had been stuck on 99 titles since his Paris Olympic gold medal success at Roland Garros last August – one of his sporting milestones.
He had appointed Murray as his coach last November, in an attempt to re-energise this final part of his illustrious career, but they went their separate ways on May 13.
And in his first competition since the Scotsman, 38, left his camp, Djokovic is a winner again, a feat he celebrated with his two children and wife Jelena.
Hurkacz might be a big server, making his way back to form after a serious knee injury at Wimbledon last year, but his forehand let him down in the closing stages of the third set.
It is no wonder he looked visibly upset and covered his head with his towel as the victor thanked the crowd.
Djokovic, who sealed the success with an ace, said: “I had to work for it, that’s for sure. Hubi was probably closer to the victory throughout the entire match than I was.
“An incredible match with a full stadium, a beautiful atmosphere. I’m just grateful to clinch the 100th here.”
Djokovic, the No.6 seed in the French Open main draw, will take on American Mackenzie McDonald in round one as he attempts to win a record 25th Grand Slam title.
It has been a difficult year for the Belgrade battler and lifting silverware is not something he can take for granted these days.
Especially given the excellent competition he faces from the much younger Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
His clay season had been an underwhelming one until this weekend, given that he had lost his opening matches in Monte Carlo and Madrid in straight sets before opting out of the Italian Open.
Djokovic won his first titles in 2006, succeeding first on the indoor hard courts of Metz and then on the outdoor clay of Amersfoort in Holland.
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