Novak Djokovic left ‘really touched’ by what the fans at the Geneva Open did for him during his match vs Yannick Hanfmann

Follow us on Google Discover

Novak Djokovic was very happy with the reception from the Geneva Open fans on his birthday.

The Serbian spent the day he turned 37 playing his opening match at the ATP 250 tournament against Yannick Hanfmann.

The World Number One took an unexpected wildcard to compete at the event in the week leading up to his Roland Garros title defence.

After securing a 6-3, 6-3 win over the German, Djokovic recorded his 1100th match win and set up a meeting with either Denis Shapovalov or Tallon Griekspoor.

Novak Djokovic reveals what inspired his victory over Yannick Hanfmann

Following his victory over Hanfmann, the Geneva Open presented Djokovic with a birthday cake and the crowd sang to him.

The World Number One then shared some with the ball kids and others around the court and conducted an on-court interview. When asked what inspired his victory, he mentioned his birthday and family as the key factors.

“The key was the birthday,” he chuckled. “I think my birthday probably wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t win the match. It’s nice to be here for the first time.

“I have my family here coming to support. I grew up with my aunt and uncle and two cousins for most of my life. We don’t get a chance to see each other much. It’s really nice

“I’m getting quality time on the court and off the court. Thank you so much to everyone for singing the happy birthday song. That really touched me.”

Novak Djokovic’s Geneva Open campaign is up and running

In his first meeting with Hanfmann, Djokovic broke the German in the sixth game of the opening set, and the world Number 85 failed to break back in the next game despite having two break point opportunities.

He missed more four break points with Djokovic serving for the set at 5-3, before the match was suspended due to a rain delay.

Following the resumption Djokovic successfully served for the set, but began the second trailing 0-3. But he composed himself and proceeded to win six successive games to complete a straight sets win.

The victory ensured he joined Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer as the only players to have recorded 1100 match wins or more.