Novak Djokovic advanced to the semi-finals of the Geneva Open on Thursday, putting the world number one just two matches away from his first title of 2024, mere days before he begins his French Open title defense.
Djokovic overcame a strong challenge from Tallon Griekspoor, winning 7-5, 6-1 in 77 minutes at the Parc des Eaux-Vives. Griekspoor, ranked 27th in the world and seeded sixth in the tournament, had three set points in the first set.
Key Match Moments
- First Set Challenge: Griekspoor pushed Djokovic, holding three set points, but Djokovic’s resilient serving helped him turn the set around.
- Djokovic’s Performance: “It was a great win. I thought the first set could have gone his way easily because I think he was a better player for most of the first set,” Djokovic said. “I was lucky to find some really good serves, and from that moment onwards I really, really played some good, solid tennis.”
Griekspoor had earlier finished his second-round match against Denis Shapovalov on Thursday, winning 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 after it was suspended due to rain.
Next Opponent: Tomas Machac
Djokovic will face Czech player Tomas Machac in the semi-finals on Friday. The two have met once before, with Djokovic winning their match in Dubai last year. Machac, ranked 44th, will be competing in his first ATP tour semi-final after defeating 19-year-old Alex Michelsen 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) in the quarter-finals.
Other Semi-Final: Ruud vs. Cobolli
The other semi-final will feature Norwegian second seed Casper Ruud against Italy’s Flavio Cobolli. Ruud, world number seven and twice a French Open finalist, secured his place by defeating Argentinian fifth seed Sebastian Baez 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
- Ruud’s Comments: “It was a tough match against Sebastian. He’s a great player, a great fighter and it was always going to be difficult against him,” Ruud said. “But I’m very happy to be through, back in the semi-finals here in Geneva, it’s a great feeling.”
Cobolli, at a career-high ranking of 56, defeated Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko 6-4, 6-4 after eliminating US fourth seed Ben Shelton in the second round.
Djokovic, celebrating his 37th birthday on Wednesday, took a wild card entry to Geneva to regain form ahead of Roland-Garros. As he prepares for the French Open, his performance in Geneva suggests he is on track to compete at his highest level.
