Novak Djokovic is positioning himself firmly in the pursuit of success at the Geneva Open, achieving a straight-sets victory over Matteo Arnaldi with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-4. This triumph granted Djokovic a coveted place in the semi-finals, as he aims to enhance his already illustrious career. The former world No. 1 displayed his customary prowess during the match, though the journey to victory was not without its challenges.
The opening set saw Djokovic display an efficient level of play, effortlessly gaining an early advantage. However, the second set proved to be a different battleground, with Arnaldi putting up a fierce fight, racing ahead to a 4-1 lead. It was in this moment of adversity that Djokovic showcased his resilience, battling back and reeling off five straight games to secure a spot in the next round of the tournament. He will face either Alexei Popyrin or Cameron Norrie, who are scheduled to compete in another semi-final match.
Djokovic, at 38 years old, expressed eagerness to advance further in the competition, reflecting on his performance from the previous year when he also reached the semi-finals. His aspiration to make it at least one step further this year resonates deeply with his competitive spirit. “It is great to be in the semi-finals again,” Djokovic shared. “Last year I played in the semi-finals and hopefully, this year, I can go at least a step further. That is the goal. I think I am playing really good tennis,” he added, underlining his confidence and positive outlook.
Reflecting on the match, Djokovic noted the palpable tension that enveloped the court. Despite the straight-sets victory, he acknowledged that the match was closer than the score might suggest. The Serbian superstar recounted being down 4-1 in the second set but emphasized his ability to maintain composure and turn the match around. “I found my optimal balance and state mentally and emotionally to play my best tennis when it was needed,” he explained, expressing hope that this momentum would carry into his next match.
His encounter with Arnaldi featured a series of exchanges where both players held serve in the initial games. A notable turning point occurred in the third game when Djokovic broke Arnaldi to seize a 2-1 lead. This allowed the 24-time Grand Slam champion to maintain his focus and hold serve through the remainder of the opening set, securing it with minimal fuss. On the other hand, Arnaldi, currently ranked No. 39 in the world, refused to fade quietly into the match. He responded vigorously in the second set, breaking Djokovic to take a commanding 3-1 lead, which left the Serbian momentarily shaken.
In the midst of this resurgence, Djokovic seemed to exhibit a moment of discomfort in his right knee, yet he persevered. After breaking back to narrow the gap to 4-3, he displayed extraordinary focus, holding serve and then breaking Arnaldi once more to take a 5-4 lead. Ultimately, Djokovic’s controlled performance in the final game of the second set sealed his victory. He demonstrated not just technical prowess but also the mental fortitude that has defined his career.
In closing this chapter of the Geneva Open, Djokovic stands on the cusp of potentially making a run at the title. His journey towards another tournament final continues as he approaches upcoming challenges with determination, and his victory over Arnaldi is a testament to his enduring talent and competitive spirit. As the tennis world watches closely, Djokovic’s next match will indeed be pivotal in determining his path forward in this tournament. Stream the 2025 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+ to catch all the action as the event unfolds.
