WITH HIS 100TH ATP TITLE IN THE BAG, THE SERB IS NOW LOOKING FOR HIS 25TH SLAM AT ROLAND GARROS

Novak Djokovic turned 38 on Thursday — not with a party, but with a comeback. Trailing, frustrated, and on the brink of another early exit, he shattered a racket, steadied his mind, and found the fight that once made him untouchable. It wasn’t a Grand Slam final, just a rainy afternoon in Geneva. But it might be where his long road back to glory begins.

- BY A.K.S. SATISH

The 24-time major champion rallied from a break down in the second set to defeat Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 6-4, 6-4 and reach the Geneva Open semi-finals. It was more than just a routine win. Arnaldi had stunned him earlier this month in Madrid, and with the French Open just days away, Djokovic is searching not just for rhythm — but for reassurance.

“I’m sorry for the racket, it’s not a good example, particularly for the young ones,” Djokovic told the crowd in French after the match. “Thank you for your support. I know with the cold temperatures it’s not easy to stay here.”

Down 1-4 in the second set and appearing to briefly clutch his right knee, Djokovic responded by reeling off five straight games. He clinched victory on his first match point after a wild forehand miss from Arnaldi.