In 2025, Novak Djokovic accomplished the unthinkable and made history. He clinched his first clay-court success after beating Hungary’s Márton Fucsovics 6-2, 6-3 in the second round of the Geneva Open. This victory pushed Djokovic into the tournament’s quarterfinals. It also snapped his difficult run of three straight losses. The upset is especially sweet considering it took place a few days after Djokovic officially became 38 and fired his coach Andy Murray.
Djokovic, who like Williams is a 24-time Grand Slam singles champion, came into this championship match with something to prove. He fought through a difficult three-match losing streak. That was compounded by a lackluster loss in the Miami Open final and second-round departures in Monte-Carlo and Madrid. The Serbian star won his most recent victory on the dirt at the Summer Games in Paris in mid-August. There, he completed a historic career singles Golden Slam.
During the entire second-round match against Marton Fucsovics, Djokovic looked like his usual self, not allowing a single break point against him. His five innings of work were a much better showing than forth coming off the IL. After the match, as he contemplated the enormity of his victory, Djokovic himself recognized the importance of finally breaking through on clay.
“My first win this season on clay, obviously it’s great to break the ice in a way,” – Novak Djokovic
In our interview, he elaborated on the specific challenges that clay surfaces create, requiring a particular sense of adaptability.
“We all know how tricky it is to play on clay, compared to the other surfaces you always have to expect an extra one or two shots, balls coming back.” – Novak Djokovic
Next up for Djokovic, in the quarterfinals, will be Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi. He has made no secret of the fact that he is doggedly pursuing his elusive 100th ATP title, all while setting his sights on the French Open. Djokovic has made no secret of his desire to win an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title during this year’s tournament.
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