GENEVA — Novak Djokovic secured his first victory on clay this season with a hard-fought win over Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in the round of 16 at the Geneva Open on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The world No. 1, who entered the ATP 250 tournament as a wildcard, overcame a slow start to triumph 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 in a match that lasted just over two hours.
Djokovic, who has struggled for form on the red dirt this year, looked rusty in the opening set but found his rhythm as the match progressed. "It’s never easy coming back to clay after a break, but I’m happy to get the win," the Serbian said in his post-match interview. "Marton is a tough opponent, especially on this surface, so this is a good step forward for me."
A Slow Start but a Strong Finish
Djokovic, who last played on clay at the Monte-Carlo Masters in April, where he suffered an early exit, admitted he needed time to adjust. Fucsovics capitalized on the Serb’s uncharacteristic errors, breaking serve twice to take the first set. However, Djokovic responded emphatically in the second, dominating with his trademark precision and movement.
Key moments in the match included:
- A crucial break in the fourth game of the second set that shifted momentum
- A stunning cross-court backhand winner in the third set that brought the crowd to its feet
- A dominant serving performance in the decider, where Djokovic won 85% of his first-serve points
Seeds Advance as Tournament Heats Up
While Djokovic’s victory was the headline, other top seeds also made strong starts in Geneva. Second seed Casper Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist, cruised past qualifier Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-4. Meanwhile, third seed Taylor Fritz survived a scare against Swiss wildcard Leandro Riedi, winning 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3.
Ruud, who has been in fine form on clay this season, praised the conditions in Geneva. "The courts here are perfect—good bounce, not too slow. It’s great preparation for Roland Garros," the Norwegian said. Fritz, meanwhile, acknowledged his narrow escape: "Leandro played unbelievable tennis today. I had to dig deep to get through."
Djokovic’s Road Ahead
Djokovic will face either rising star Luca Van Assche or veteran Richard Gasquet in the quarterfinals. With Roland Garros just days away, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is using Geneva as a crucial warm-up. "Every match matters right now," he said. "I need to build confidence and rhythm before Paris."
A Much-Needed Boost Before Roland Garros
Djokovic’s victory comes at a pivotal moment in his season. After early exits in Monte-Carlo and Rome, questions arose about his readiness for the French Open, where he is defending champion. However, his performance against Fucsovics—particularly his improved serve and movement—suggests he is finding his groove at the right time.
Tennis analysts noted the significance of the win. "Novak needed this," said former player and commentator Brad Gilbert. "Clay is about patience and persistence, and today he showed both. If he keeps this up, he’ll be a major threat in Paris."
Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction
While Djokovic’s Geneva campaign is just beginning, his first win on clay this season is a promising sign. With Roland Garros looming, the Serb will look to build momentum as he aims for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. Fans and rivals alike will be watching closely to see if he can carry this form into the next round—and beyond.
The Geneva Open continues through Saturday, with the final serving as the last clay-court test before the French Open begins on May 26. For Djokovic, every match is an opportunity to fine-tune his game—and after today’s performance, his confidence is growing.