Novak Djokovic celebrates 38th birthday with drama: Racquet smash, knee injury scare, and stellar comeback in Geneva Open

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic turned 38 on May 22. On the same day, the Serbian ace faced Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the ongoing Geneva Open 2025. However, this game and his birthday turned out to be very special for him despite his smashing the racquet in frustration while sustaining the minor injury. Djokovic has exacted his revenge against the Italian star after he crashed Djokovic out of the Madrid Open first round earlier this year.

The Serbian ace was seen hammering his racquet early in the second set of the game after he won the first set by 6-4.

Racket smash on his 38th birthday we are not worthy 😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/IBxxkxtt1U

— Zain (@ItzzZain10) May 22, 2025

Djokovicwas seen showcasing his anger at having played a sloppy service game, which allowed Arnaldi to take a 3-1 lead in the second set. Thereafter, the star player sustained a knee injury as well.

looks like Novak might've hurt his right knee a bit when wrong-footed by Arnaldi to go down 1-4 in the second set. hope it's nothing serious especially with RG right around the corner pic.twitter.com/fewA6xf9C0

— Christian's Court (@christianscourt) May 22, 2025

Novak Djokovic eyes French Open 2025 strong run

However, Novak Djokovic staged his stellar comeback and won the next five games to win this thriller and knock Arnaldi out of the ATP 250 tournament. The 24-time Grand Slam winner has reflected on his stellar comeback and showcased optimism about performing well in theFrench Openafter his early exit from the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open before pulling out from the Italian Open.

"I think I'm playing really, really good tennis" 😌

Novak Djokovic is happy to reach back-to-back semifinals in Switzerland.#GonetGenevaOpenpic.twitter.com/vmlbDbsfce

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 22, 2025

"It's great to be in the semifinals again. Last year, Ied in the semifinals. Hopefully, this year I can go a step further. That's the goal. You know, I think I'm playing really, really good tennis. Today was, as I said, a lot of tension on the court; it was a straight-set win but it was much closer than the score indicates. Yeah, I was 4-1 down in the second and somehow, I don't know, after that racket breaking, I didn't lose a game and kind of found my optimal state and balance mentally and emotionally to really be able to play the best tennis when it was most needed," Novak Djokovic said.

Also Read: French Open 2025: Schedule, Prize Money, Draws & Live Streaming details