Novak Djokovic marks 38th birthday with extra celebrations

Novak Djokovic has advanced to the Geneva Open semi-finals after a thrilling match against Matteo Arnaldi

Novak Djokovic marks 38th birthday with extra celebrations
Novak Djokovic marks 38th birthday with extra celebrations

Novak Djokovic celebrated his 38th birthday with a side of sweet victory over Matteo Arnaldi.

On Thursday, May 22, the 24-time Grand Slam champion reached the Geneva Open semi-finals as he took the revenge of his April's Madrid Masters lost from the Italian.

Djokovic showed off his skills as he dominated the damp condition with 6-4 6-4, continuing his journey towards French Open on a positive note.

Novak Djokovic and a smashed racket on court

During the intense match, Djokovic smashed his racket after going 4-1 down and displayed some discomfort on the knee, which required surgery last June.

After taking out his frustration on the racket, he seemed to reset as he turned the game once again in his favour.

In the post-match interview, Djokovic noted that the brief incident helped him find an "optimal state and balance mentally and emotionally to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed."

The 38-year-old tennis star will be facing Cameron Norrie at the semi-final, who defeated Australian Alexei Popyrin 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.

Djokovic, after being presented with a birthday cake, shared at the on-court interview, "Last year I played semi-finals. Hopefully this year I can go at least a step further – that's a goal."

He also apologised about the incident at the court noting, "I'm sorry about the racket, it's not a good example particularly for the young ones."

Novak Djokovic is just two wins away from his 100th ATP Tour-level singles title – a record achieved only by Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors.

Read more : Sports
Wimbledon 2025 upset: Aryna Sabalenka reacts to Gauff, Pegula early exits
Wimbledon 2025 upset: Aryna Sabalenka reacts to Gauff, Pegula early exits
Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula's Wimbledon bid ends in heartbreak after just two days
Travis Kelce spills tea on ‘ugly’ Super Bowl LIX defeat to Philadelphia Eagles
Travis Kelce spills tea on ‘ugly’ Super Bowl LIX defeat to Philadelphia Eagles
Chiefs' Travis Kelce reveals the moment he realised Super Bowl LIX was out of reach
Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull send emotional message to Red Panda after injury
Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull send emotional message to Red Panda after injury
The acclaimed half-time performer, Red Panda, fell during Indiana Fever vs Minnesota Lynx Commissioner's Cup Halftime Event
Tom Brady, Sydney Sweeney romance speculation gets major update
Tom Brady, Sydney Sweeney romance speculation gets major update
The NFL legend and the 'Euphoria' actress were swept up in dating rumours as attending Jeff Bezos' Venice wedding
Novak Djokovic names key rival after victorious Wimbledon opener
Novak Djokovic names key rival after victorious Wimbledon opener
The Serbian tennis player, Novak Djokovic, secured a win against Alexandre Muller in the first round of Wimbledon
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates 119 years of Sporting CP with touching tribute
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates 119 years of Sporting CP with touching tribute
Sporting CP have won 56 major trophies which makes them the third most successful team in the country
Bobby Bonilla Day: 'Strange' contract that brought Mets their greatest icon
Bobby Bonilla Day: 'Strange' contract that brought Mets their greatest icon
Even though Bonilla hasn't played for them in years, he still gets paid $1.19 million every year until he turns 72
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi League prediction goes viral after Al-Hilal victory
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi League prediction goes viral after Al-Hilal victory
Cristiano Ronaldo extended his career with the Saudi football club Al-Nassr by signing a new two-year contract
Jessica Pegula suffers early Wimbledon exit after shocking defeat by Cocciaretto
Jessica Pegula suffers early Wimbledon exit after shocking defeat by Cocciaretto
Jessica Pegula recently won her ninth tennis tittle in Bad Homburg, Germany where she defeated Iga Swiatek
Al-Hilal stuns Man City: Player react to Club World Cup biggest upset
Al-Hilal stuns Man City: Player react to Club World Cup biggest upset
Al Hilal knocked Manchester City out of Club World Cup to qualify for quarterfinals
Tom Brady shares shocking reason to ‘come out of retirement’
Tom Brady shares shocking reason to ‘come out of retirement’
NFL legend Tom Brady's surprising retirement U-turn with LeBron James sparks reactions
Kylian Mbappé to join Club World Cup for upcoming Juventus FC match?
Kylian Mbappé to join Club World Cup for upcoming Juventus FC match?
French footballer Kylian Mbappé sat out all three of the Real Madrid's group stage matches at Club World Cup in the US