Novak Djokovic spoke about registering his first win on clay after beating Marton Fucsovics at the Geneva Open. The Serb entered the tournament as the second seed and booked his place in the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 event after a 6-2, 6-3 win over the Hungarian.
Djokovic has had a disappointing start to the 2025 season, and his clay-court performances have been subpar. The 38-year-old suffered successive opening-round exits at the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Madrid Open. He withdrew from the Italian Open and competed at the Geneva Open instead.
The Serb received a bye to the second round of the tournament, where he registered a comprehensive 6-2 6-3 win over Marton Fucsovics. After the match, Djokovic spoke about “breaking the ice” by getting his first win on clay in 2025.
“My first win this season on clay obviously. You know, it’s great, great to break the ice in a way. It’s a very demanding surface, we all know how tricky it is to play on clay. Compared to other surfaces, you always have to expect an extra one or two more shots, balls coming back,” Djokovic said.
“Here, a bit more altitude, so, it helps if you have a good serve, and today, I think that was my strongest shot. I had a very high percentage of first serves and a lot of free points on the first serve. When I needed to get myself out of the trouble, I think I found the first serve. So, it makes the life on the court a bit easier,” he added.
The Serb reiterated that he was glad to play his best tennis when needed and hoped for his form to continue.
“Very glad, as I said, to be able to play the best tennis when it was most needed. I think all the way through, basically till the last moment, I was quite focused and pleased with the level of tennis. So, hopefully that may continue tomorrow,” Djokovic said.
Novak Djokovic Will Next Face Matteo Arnaldi In Geneva Open QF
After beating Fucsovics, Djokovic will now be up against Matteo Arnaldi in the quarterfinals of the Geneva Open. The Italian booked his place in the last eight of the tournament after a 6-3, 7-6(3) win over Fabian Marozsan.
MORE: Novak Djokovic’s ‘Divorce’ With Andy Murray Is Completely on Him, Claims Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach
Djokovic and Arnaldi locked horns just weeks back at the Madrid Open, with the latter registering a 6-3, 6-4 win to book his place in the third round of the tournament. If the Serb wins, he will face either fifth seed Alexei Popyrin or qualifier Cameron Norrie in the semifinals in Geneva.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will be eager to replicate his exploits against Fucsovics deep into the tournament, as he looks to gain some momentum ahead of the French Open.