Novak Djokovic turned 37 on Wednesday and celebrated with a win, coming from 3-0 down in the second set to beat Yannick Hanfmann 6-3, 6-3 in his Geneva Open debut.
The world no. 1 Serb was making his ATP debut in the Swiss city as he gets in last-minute match play prior to Sunday’s start of the French Open.
Djokovic advanced to the quarter-finals of the 350-level clay event in 89 minutes, making a recovery after winning the opening set just before rain forced an interruption of several hours,
This was the Serb’s 1100th win, the 3rd best record behind Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.
In the second set, the Serb who was supported in the stands by some of his local cousins stood a point away from trailing 0-4, but managed to begin turning the tide against his German opponent.
Djokovic advanced on his second match point as Hanfmann hit the net with a forehand.
Organisers immediately brought out a cake with streaming sparklers; the winner took a small shaving of chocolate off the top, gave a thumbs up, and then walked around the clay offering a bite to ballkids and even a security guard.
“The key to victory today was – my birthday,” he said. “It would not have been the same if i didn’t win the match.
“it’s nice to play here for the first time and have family supporting. I grew up with my aunt and uncle and my cousins here.
“I’m happy to win on this special day.”
Hanfmann missed chances on 10 of 11 break points while Djokovic broke the German four times.
Main photo:- Novak Djokovic celebrates his birthday and 1100th ATP win – by ATPTour.com
