2 days after celebrating his 38th birthday, Djokovic reached the milestone of 100 ATP titles. He became the third person - after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to reach this number. A symbolic number in the journey of a great monument. Interestingly, Nole won his first ATP title in 2006 - the 250-level Dutch Open, after the final against Nicolas Massu, and his 100th trophy when he won over Hubert Hurkacz, who is being coached by... Massu.
The Serbian tennis player was happy with his round-trip milestone, but what stopped people was where he arrived - Geneva Open, an ATP 250. Djokovic's name is big enough to light up the tournament, but at the 250 level, it is often considered to be more of an affirmation, this victory is a clearer signal for the end notes of the long and heroic symphony.
Nole is still present at Roland Garros 2025 and beyond, but now, every run is a slice of time. Each shot is more of a storytelling experience than a weapon, more of a reminder of the power of the challenge.
It has been nearly 2 years since Djokovic last won an ATP 1000 or Grand Slam. The 2023 Paris Masters seems to have ended the time series in which Nole can compete fairly with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner of Gen Z.
People once hoped that the 100th milestone will come in one of the 4 Grand Slam tournaments, or at least a certain tournament belongs to ATP 1000. But then, like late trains, Nole quietly chose a small platform in Switzerland, to step on the 100th car car. A small dot between the last page of the book called "Great".
Of course, Djokovic has not surrendered or said a word of resignation. But from now on, every major tournament for him is no longer a title hunt, but like an adventure - as Federer and Rafael Nadal have gone.
Djokovic is not the type of person to try to thicken numbers by "picking up small awards when he is old". The victory in Geneva was the motivation to enter the French Open, but people soon saw too many obstacles to increase the Grand Slam title to 25 in 2025.
For Nole and the fans, now is the time to enjoy the moments he is still present on the field...
