Novak Djokovic’s French Open preparations took a further hit after a shock 6-4 0-6 6-1 defeat to Tomas Machac in the Geneva Open semi-finals.
The world No. 1 is still waiting for his first title in 2024 after bowing out to the Czech, who will face either Flavio Cobolli or second seed Casper Ruud in the final.
Machac, who came close to beating Djokovic in Dubai last year, sealed a landmark victory to progress into his first career final.
Djokovic came into this clash hoping to move a step closer to a 99th ATP title in the week leading up to the French Open.
The Serb was pushed all the way in that clash in Dubai, and Machac went one better in this memorable last-four match in Switzerland.
However, it all appeared to be relatively plain-sailing for Djokovic after he moved into a 4-1 lead in the opener, breaking Machac in the process.
Machac responded brilliantly to win the next three games – breaking back against Djokovic in the seventh – to level the set at 4-4.
Machac broke the 24-time Grand Slam winner again to move ahead for the first time in the contest, and took the first set after 59 minutes of play.
That appeared to awaken the beast inside Djokovic, who showed signs of hitting top form with an emphatic bagel in the second set to level the scores.
Despite being seen by the medical team during the break, it did not appear to alter his flow, prevailing after a second break point to go 4-0 up.
Machac was straining every sinew in a bid to get on the board, but surrendered three break-point opportunities as Djokovic moved 5-0 ahead to leave the Czech serving to stay in the set after a mere 26 minutes.
Djokovic sealed the deal with a lofted forehand to win the second set in under half an hour.
Far from being disheartened, Machac secured an early break at the start of the decider to move 2-1 ahead.
The world No. 44 was moving very impressively at the net, and followed that up with a hard-fought hold.
Djokovic was on the ropes after Machac moved a double break ahead, as a netted return propelled the underdog 4-1 ahead in the decider.
The heavy favourite was left serving to keep himself in the match, but succumbed to Machac on his first match point in a sobering defeat.
