World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has returned to winning ways on clay, securing his first victory on the surface since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The 24-time Grand Slam champion defeated Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets at the Geneva Open on Wednesday, booking his spot in the tournament’s quarterfinals.
The Serbian superstar, who accepted a late wildcard into the ATP 250 event in Geneva, looked sharp and composed throughout the match. He posted a 6-3, 6-3 win over Hanfmann, signaling a timely resurgence in form just days before the start of the French Open at Roland Garros.
Djokovic, 37, had not played on clay since the Olympics nearly four years ago, and has faced questions in recent months about his preparation and physical readiness ahead of the demanding Grand Slam season. Wednesday’s performance, however, suggested he remains a formidable force on the red dirt.
“It feels great to be back on clay and get a win,” Djokovic said in his post-match interview. “I’ve been working hard behind the scenes, and this match gives me a lot of confidence heading into Paris.”
The Geneva Open marks a strategic warm-up for Djokovic, who opted to skip several clay tournaments earlier in the season. With a record 24 Grand Slam titles under his belt, he is now aiming to extend his legacy by capturing a historic 25th major at Roland Garros.
In the quarterfinals, Djokovic will face Czech player Tomas Machac, a rising star who has shown impressive form in recent months. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see if the world No. 1 can maintain momentum and claim his first ATP title of the 2025 season.
This win also puts to rest some of the speculation surrounding Djokovic’s current level. While he has remained tight-lipped about his long-term schedule, many believe this late entry into Geneva was a calculated move to gain match practice ahead of his favorite Grand Slam.
The Geneva Open, known for its picturesque location and strong field of competitors, has become a crucial stepping stone for players looking to fine-tune their game before the intensity of Roland Garros. For Djokovic, it may prove to be just the tune-up he needed.
With the French Open beginning in just a few days, all eyes will now turn to Paris, where Djokovic will attempt to defend his title and make more tennis history.
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