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This is Djokovic’s first title since Olympic gold in Paris last year – and marks a high point in a difficult year for the tennis great.<\/p>\n
His run to the Australian Open semi-finals was ended by injury before his first attempt to claim his 100th title was ended by Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open showpiece.<\/p>\n
The clay season has been particularly tricky as Djokovic lost his opening matches in Monte Carlo and Madrid in straight sets before opting out of the Italian Open.<\/p>\n
A split with coach Andy Murray followed, but deciding to take a wildcard to Geneva has paid off as Djokovic has improved in each match, with his serving and returning in particular going up a notch. <\/p>\n
Much of the packed crowd in Geneva were on his side and it was the Serb who had the first break opportunities at 2-2.<\/p>\n
But Hurkacz, a big server making his way back to form after a serious knee injury at Wimbledon last year, produced aces and service winners at the crucial times to keep him at bay.<\/p>\n
In truth, it was Djokovic’s errors, rather than excellent play from his opponent, that decided the first set. Serving to force a tie-break, an unfortunate net cord gave Hurkacz his first break point of the set – and a dreadful double fault from Djokovic handed it over.<\/p>\n
Every Hurkacz service game of the second set seemed to go to deuce, with Djokovic constantly pushing for an opening, but his uncharacteristic errors allowed his 28-year-old opponent to wriggle free – much to Djokovic’s wry amusement.<\/p>\n
The Serb upped his level in the tie-break, smashing a winner to force a deciding set, but it was Hurkacz who broke at the start of the third.<\/p>\n
Service games rattled by from both players before the Pole played a dreadful game at 4-3 up. With Hurkacz’s body tight and arm full of tension, an error handed Djokovic the break back, with the world number six shaking his racquet in celebration.<\/p>\n
A tie-break felt almost inevitable and once again, Djokovic ran away with it, before sealing the success with an ace.<\/p>\n
The two shared a warm hug at the net before a visibly upset Hurkacz covered his head with his towel as the victor thanked the crowd.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n