Novak Djokovic Overcomes Arnaldi to Reach Geneva Open Semi-Finals, Eyes Title Glory
SME News Europe. Geneva, Switzerland – Novak Djokovic continued his quest for a first Geneva Open title with a determined 6-4, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi on Thursday, securing a place in the semi-finals for the second consecutive year. The Serbian star, who had to rally from a 4-1 deficit in the second set, showed his trademark resilience to keep his championship hopes alive.The 24-time Grand Slam champion began strongly, seizing an early break in the opening set and maintaining control to edge ahead 6-4. However, the second set presented a sterner challenge, with Arnaldi displaying grit and athleticism to break Djokovic and take a 4-1 lead. Undeterred, Djokovic regrouped and staged a stunning comeback, breaking twice to clinch the set and the match.”Today I thought there was a lot of tension on the court,” Djokovic said post-match. “It was a straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score might show. I found my optimal balance and state mentally and emotionally to play my best tennis when it mattered.”Djokovic, 38, was candid about his ambitions, expressing a desire to improve on last year’s semi-final finish.”It’s great to be in the semi-finals again. Last year, I reached this stage, and hopefully, this year, I can go at least a step further. That is the goal. I think I am playing really good tennis,” he added.Next up for Djokovic is a high-stakes semi-final against Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who earned his spot with a hard-fought 7-6(6), 6-4 win over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin.Norrie overcame early pressure, saving break points in the opening game before clawing back from a 3-1 deficit in the first set. After edging a tense tie-break, the Brit found his rhythm in the second, securing a vital break and holding firm to complete the win.The Djokovic-Norrie clash promises a thrilling encounter as both players vie for a place in the Geneva Open final, with the Serbian chasing his first title of the 2025 season.
