Novak Djokovic’s campaign for a historic 100th ATP title received a boost as world no. 7 Casper Ruud withdrew from the ATP 250 event in Geneva.
The Norwegian is 13-1 at this tournament between 2021 and 2024, lifting three titles. However, he will not defend the crown next week following a brutal Rome Masters defeat to Jannik Sinner.
Casper’s exit significantly opens up the draw for Novak, who aims to find form and momentum ahead of Roland Garros. Djokovic is also seeking a huge milestone, his 100th ATP crown.
Alongside Ruud, Grigor Dimitrov, Denis Shapovalov, Tallon Griekspoor, Jordan Thompson and Lorenzo Sonego will also skip the last pre-Roland Garros test.
Taylor Fritz will lead the draw ahead of Djokovic, Tomas Machac, Karen Khachanov and Alexei Popyrin. The Serb will compete in Geneva for the second straight year after asking for a late wild card.
He skipped the Rome Masters and decided to enter a smaller event and get some matches ahead of the second Major event of the season. Following a slow clay-court campaign this spring, the veteran hopes to boost his game.
Novak lost the Miami Open final to Jakub Mensik in two tie breaks. Instead of shifting that form to clay, the 24-time Major winner experienced early Monte Carlo and Madrid defeats.
Djokovic fell to Alejandro Tabilo in Monte Carlo and suffered a heavy loss to Matteo Arnaldi in Caja Magica. The Serb skipped Rome and entered Geneva, hoping to make two sets more than a year ago.
As Novak looks to sharpen his game for Roland Garros, a strong week in Geneva could be a perfect springboard. The legend is trying to regain confidence and etch his name deeper into tennis history with his 100th ATP title.
The 99th came at last year’s Olympic Games in Paris, and Djokovic has been waiting for ten months to secure the milestone one and join Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer in the history books.
