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.

Cristiano Ronaldo treats himself with well-deserved relaxation after big win
Cristiano Ronaldo treats himself with well-deserved relaxation after big win
Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to continue playing with his current club Al Nassr for the 2025/26 season
Queen’s 2025: Tatjana Maria advances to final with surprising victory over Madison Keys
Queen’s 2025: Tatjana Maria advances to final with surprising victory over Madison Keys
Maria had lost nine matches in a row before this tournament but still managed to reached the final
Emma Raducanu withdraws from Berlin Open amid back injury concerns
Emma Raducanu withdraws from Berlin Open amid back injury concerns
The Berlin tournament includes nine of the top 10 female tennis players in the world
Leclerc feels confident despite 'very stupid' crash ahead of Canadian GP
Leclerc feels confident despite 'very stupid' crash ahead of Canadian GP
Charles Leclerc apologises to Ferrari after crash that ruled him out of FP2
Messi Inter Miami set for Club World Cup opener vs Al Ahly: Predicted lineup
Messi Inter Miami set for Club World Cup opener vs Al Ahly: Predicted lineup
David Beckham excited for Inter Miami's FIFA Club World Cup opener after receiving knighthood
David Beckham ‘emotional’ after receiving knighthood from King Charles
David Beckham ‘emotional’ after receiving knighthood from King Charles
Manchester United celebrate Beckham’s ‘truly deserved’ knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours
Queen's 2025: Emma Raducanu crashes out as Zheng powers into semi-final
Queen's 2025: Emma Raducanu crashes out as Zheng powers into semi-final
Tatjana Maria surprised everyone by beating Elena Rybakina in straight sets with scores of 6-4, 7-6
Angel Reese and teammate Copper's social media feud explodes into personal attacks
Angel Reese and teammate Copper's social media feud explodes into personal attacks
Angel Reese recently won the 2025 BET Sportswoman of the Year Award
Cristiano Ronaldo achieves major career milestone outside football world
Cristiano Ronaldo achieves major career milestone outside football world
Cristiano Ronaldo's team Portugal recently won the UEFA Nations League against Spain for the second time
Babar Azam joins Sydney Sixers in one of BBL’s biggest signings
Babar Azam joins Sydney Sixers in one of BBL’s biggest signings
Babar Azam is the fastest player in the cricket history to score 5,000 runs in ODIs
LeBron James admits strange family ritual for NBA finals
LeBron James admits strange family ritual for NBA finals
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has a strict rule for his family for the NBA finals
The Undertaker makes emotional admission about health scare leading to Mania 41
The Undertaker makes emotional admission about health scare leading to Mania 41
Wrestling world legend The Undertaker participated in WrestleMania 41 amid heart concerns