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Djokovic out of Geneva Open

Tomas Machac captured the biggest win of his career after knocking Novak Djokovic out of the Geneva Open.

Novak Djokovic, Serbian tennis player.
Novak Djokovic, Serbian tennis player.

The 6-4 0-6 6-1 victory over the Serb saw Machac reach his first final at the Geneva Open.

The world number one appeared out of sorts and received a medical timeout at the end of the first set, which he had led 4-1 before fading.

Djokovic broke for a 3-1 lead and seemed in command, but his Czech opponent – who had pushed him hard in Dubai last year before losing – stepped on the gas to win five successive games.

The second set was a different story as Djokovic produced several superb forehand winners to level the match in style.

Djokovic won the opening game of the deciding set, but it was downhill after that as another surge from Machac proved unstoppable.

The Serb now heads to Paris where he faces France's Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round.

Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev insists his forthcoming trial for domestic abuse will not affect his bid for French Open glory.

German world number four Zverev is among the favourites to win a first grand slam title at Roland Garros, despite landing Rafael Nadal in the first round.

But his run to the semi-finals at the Australian Open was overshadowed when a court date was set for a trial over domestic abuse allegations, which he denies, and which is scheduled to begin in a week's time.

"At the end of the day, I do believe in the German system," said the 27-year-old, who does not have to attend the trial in Berlin.

"I do believe in the truth, as well. I have to be certain that, you know, I do know what I did, I do know what I didn't do.

"That's, at the end of the day, what's going to come out, and I have to trust in that.

"You know, everything else is out of my hands. Not out of my hands, but I do believe that I'm not going to lose this procedure. There's absolutely no chance I am.

"That's why I can play calmly and I think my results have been showing it. Winning in Rome I think is a big title, as well, and obviously being here. And if it would be on my mind I wouldn't be playing the way I am."

Zverev was handed the nightmare first-round draw in the shape of 14-time champion Nadal, who is unseeded due to slipping down the rankings following a lengthy injury absence.

"I can guarantee you Novak (Djokovic) didn't want to play Rafa in the first round and (Carlos) Alcaraz didn't want to play him, Jannik (Sinner) didn't want to play him. I don't want to play him in the first round, but it is how it is.

"He has been out injured. He hasn't played a lot of tennis. His ranking is where it is. Of course it's not ideal, but at the same time, you know, there is nothing you can do.

"Everybody now is excited for a tough battle and tough first round. I think he's excited and I'm excited for it."

 


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