Novak Djokovic pinpoints the shot that got him ‘out of trouble’ during his first clay win of 2025 in Geneva

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Novak Djokovic looked a shell of his former self during the first two clay Masters 1000 events of the year.

Having reached the final of the Miami Open in March, many expected Djokovic to carry that momentum through to the clay court season.

It wasn’t to be, as Djokovic lost to Alejandro Tabilo in his opening match at the Monte-Carlo Masters, 3-6, 4-6.

Looking to bounce back in Madrid, the Serb suffered another shock defeat when Matteo Arnaldi beat Djokovic, 6-3, 6-4.

Djokovic then withdrew from the Italian Open, instead choosing to finish up his Roland Garros preparations in Geneva.

Finally securing his first clay-court win of the year, Djokovic took down Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in straight sets.

During his on-court interview, the ATP Tour legend revealed what his ‘best shot’ was against the world number 134.

Novak Djokovic says his first serve got him ‘out of trouble’ against Marton Fucsovics in Geneva

Speaking after his 6-2, 6-3 win over Fucsovics, the 37-year-old expressed his delight, having scored his first clay win of the year.

“My first win this season on clay,” said Djokovic.

“Obviously, it’s great to break the ice in a way, it’s a very demanding surface, we all know how tricky it is to play on clay.

“Compared to the other surfaces, you always have to expect an extra one or two shots, balls coming back.”

Djokovic then picked out the shot from his arsenal which worked best during his second round win in Geneva.

“Here, there’s a bit more altitude, so it helps if you have a good serve, and today I think that was my strongest shot, I had a very high percentage of first serves,” he said.

“A lot of free points on the first serve, when I needed to get myself out of trouble, I found the first serve.

“It makes life on the court a bit easier, very glad as I said to be able to play the best tennis when it was most needed. 

“All the way through until the last moment, I was quite focused and pleased with the level of tennis, so hopefully that can continue tomorrow.”

Djokovic produced an accomplished serving performance against Fucsovics, by far his best of 2025 on clay.

The world number six will certainly be looking to keep those numbers up when he returns for his quarterfinal match against Arnaldi.

Novak Djokovic prepares for Matteo Arnaldi rematch in Geneva

Next up for Djokovic is Arnaldi, who won his opening two matches in Geneva to advance to his fourth quarterfinal of the season.

• 2025 Geneva Open 2R – Matteo Arnaldi beat Fabian Marozsan, 6-3, 7-6
• 2025 Geneva Open 1R – Matteo Arnaldi beat Hugo Gaston, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4

Arnaldi handed Djokovic his most recent defeat at the Madrid Open, easing past the 24-time Major champion in straight sets.

The Italian has spoken openly about how he ‘idolized’ Djokovic during his younger years, claiming it was a ‘victory’ just to play him after their match in Madrid.

“He’s my idol, he’s always been, so I was just glad that I could play him, because I never played him [before], I just practised with him,” said Arnaldi.

“Playing him in a stage like this was already a victory for me, but he’s not at his best right now, so I came on court to try to play my best tennis and win, and it happened, so right now I don’t even know what to say.”

Djokovic may be Arnaldi’s idol, but he would no doubt love to put that to one side again, and extend his head-to-head advantage to 2-0.

A second win over Djokovic would help boost his profile, as he looks to continue rising up the ATP Tour.

Matteo Arnaldi’s career statistics

• Ranking – 39th (Career high – 30th)
• ATP titles – 0 (Challenger titles – 6)
• Best Grand Slam result – 4R (2023 US Open, 2024 French Open)
• Best Masters 1000 result – SF (2024 Canadian Open)
• Top ten wins – 5 (2 in 2025)

Only time will tell who will come out on top when Arnaldi and Djokovic face off for a second time.

Djokovic and Arnaldi will battle it out for a place in the Geneva Open semi-finals on Thursday, May 22.