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Former world No.1 Djokovic overturned a 2-4 deficit in the deciding set before sealing his historic win after three hours and five minutes of absoribing tennis, becoming the oldest champion at the event at the age of 38.

Djokovic had been searching for his 100th title since winning gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but lost finals to Jannik Sinner in Shanghai in October and Jakub Mensik in Miami in March.

But he finally reached the milestone here, becoming only the third man to break through the mark in the Open Era, alongside Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

Djokovic won his first ATP title in Amersfoort in 2006, when he defeated Hurkacz’s current coach Nicolas Massu in the final.

The Serbian great also set a new individual record in Geneva, becoming  the first man in the Open Era to lift a trophy in 20 different seasons.

“Primarily I want to thank my wife and kids for coming for three days on their school break just to be with me,” Djokovic, who celebrated his birthday earlier in the week, said.

“I love you, thank you very much for coming to see me, for my birthday, for coming to see the family I have in Geneva.

“My team, thank you, not only for being with me in the good times, but also in the bad times. Only you know how difficult it is to sustain this level of craziness from me on the court. I want to thank you for earning, together with me, this victory number 100.”

Djokovic enjoyed a sensational 2023, winning seven titles, which included his record 24th Major. But 2024 disappointed until he claimed Olympic gold in Paris, his first Olympic title.

Rather than being a turning point, more disappointment followed as he was beaten in the opening rounds at Doha, Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo and Madrid this year.

But none of that mattered as he lifted the trophy in Geneva, and with the French Open at Roland Garros just around the corner, he will now set his sights firmly on winning a record 25th grand slam title.

The decisive moment in Geneva came in the eighth game of the final set, with Hurkacz serving at 4-3 and with a break.

The Pole made crucial errors to allow Djokovic to break back, and Hurkacz lost his momentum from there.

“I was just trying to hang in there, I don’t know how I broke his serve," Djokovic said of that turning point.

"He probably broke himself in the third, when he was 4-3 up, but this is what happens at the highest level. Very few points decide the winner. Incredible match, 7-6 in the third with a full stadium, beautiful atmosphere. I’m just grateful to clinch the 100th here.”

Hurkacz, who underwent knee surgery last year, was aiming for a ninth ATP Tour title, but graciously congratulated Djokovic on his massive achievement.

“Congrats to Novak, his family and his team. One hundred [titles], it’s a lot,” he said.

“It’s really inspiring how you present yourself on the court, off the court. It’s just incredible what you have achieved, so congrats for that and for what you have done for the whole sport of tennis.”