Djokovic Joins Century Club, Wins 100th ATP Title in Style

Djokovic Joins Century Club, Wins 100th ATP Title in Style

3 minute read
Published: 5/24/2025

Novak Djokovic celebrated his 38th birthday by claiming a historic 100th ATP singles title at the Geneva Open, joining tennis legends Connors and Federer, proving age is just a number—especially when hitting 34 winners.

With this unprecedented achievement, Djokovic not only cements his legacy in tennis as a member of the elite 100-title club but also defies the conventional wisdom that birthdays should mean cake instead of titles. As the oldest champion in Geneva Open history and the first to win a tour-level title in 20 consecutive seasons, Djokovic's latest victory sets him up for another shot at history as he prepares for the French Open, where he seeks a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title—because why retire when you can keep breaking records into your late 30s?

In a thrilling final against Hubert Hurkacz that lasted over three hours, Djokovic showcased his endurance and skill by winning 5-7, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-2). It seems that just when you think he's finally done for, he hits you with a nail-biting finish that has you questioning your sanity and whether or not it’s reasonable to yell at the TV in the middle of the afternoon. Who needs a comfortable armchair when you could be on the edge of your seat while witnessing a 38-year-old redefine the meaning of 'vintage' in tennis?

Hurkacz, while formidable, couldn’t quite match Djokovic’s combination of experience and sheer willpower. Despite taking the first set, Hurkacz found himself unraveling under the pressure of Djokovic’s six aces and tactical prowess. Clearly, his game was better than cake, yet somehow it was Djokovic who seemed more willing to slice through the competition regardless of age. If the match was a pastry, Djokovic would have been the layers of flaky perfection that made it impossible to resist digging in for just one more slice.

This victory not only marks a milestone in Djokovic’s illustrious career but also places him in an exclusive club with legends like Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer. It gives us a reason to ponder: what are these guys drinking, and could they bottle it up for the rest of us mortals? Perhaps they’ve found the fountain of youth tucked away in some tennis locker, or maybe it’s just the sheer joy of putting more aces to bed than some of us do in a week. But really, what sets Djokovic apart is his ability to adapt and excel, abilities that seem to sharpen with age.

Turning 38 on May 23, 2025, Djokovic seems determined to take the term 'geriatric athlete' and throw it out the window. Countries around the world were left clutching their metaphorical pearls, astonished that someone not only survived their thirties but is thriving like a fine wine with every passing year.

Djokovic has already positioned himself for another tournament without missing a beat. Next up? A showdown against Mackenzie McDonald in the first round of the French Open. Given that this is a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam he’s after, the stakes are higher than ever, and every tennis aficionado is likely taking bets on how many more men’s titles he can rack up before getting a new set of geriatric vitamins.

Not to be overlooked, his place in the record books isn’t just for show. At over three hours of play, it was evident that endurance remains his best friend. Winning titles at this age with such vigor makes you wonder if Djokovic's secret weapon is not just practice, but his dedication to maintaining top physical condition—after all, flexibility seems crucial when careening toward a century of titles.

As Djokovic prepares for the French Open, anticipation surrounds what more this tennis titan can achieve. With the accolades piling up, among them not just the 100 titles but his historical distinction as the oldest champion in Geneva Open history, it raises a whimsical question: will he even allow himself to enjoy a birthday cake? Because if history tells us anything, Djokovic seems poised to keep hitting, serving, and winning, likely until he’s serving desserts at a retirement party—if he ever decides to host one.