Djokovic enjoys fine 38th birthday gift with Geneva win
Novak Djokovic could give himself the best 38th birthday present this weekend by annexing an elusive 100th title in the Geneva Open.
The evergreen former world No.1celebrated turning 38 by earning revenge over Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament on Thursday.
But Australian hope Alexei Popyrin missed the chance to enjoy a semi-final clash with the 24-time grand slam champ when he got knocked out by Britain's Cameron Norrie.
It appears after a poor claycourt season and with the start of the French Open just three days away, Djokovic may be running into form at the right time by the way he dismantled world No.39 Arnaldi, who had beaten the great Serb at the Madrid Masters last month.
Still not completely happy with his form, though, Djokovic, currently down at No.6 in the rankings, had a fit of temper in the second set, smashing his racquet into the clay behind the baseline after his serve had been broken to trail 3-1.
Then at 4-1 down, there was an alarming moment when he seemed to have jolted his right knee when stretching for a shot, but he recovered admirably to reel off the next five games for a 6-4 6-4 win.
Afterwards, the birthday boy apologised for his tantrum on a chilly evening in Switzerland.
"I'm sorry for the racquet, it's not a good example particularly for the young ones," Djokovic told the crowd in French in an on-court interview.
"Thanks for your support. I know that with the cold temperatures it's not easy to stay here."
Later he reflected: "I think I'm playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates.
"I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed. Hopefully I can carry that into tomorrow."
Popyrin, who believes he's finding some of his best form after a poor start to the year beset by injuries, illness and a coaching break-up, couldn't find the form later to land that semi-final crack at Djokovic, whom he beat at last year's US Open.
He will rue a missed opportunity in the first set when he served for the stanza at 5-4, only to get broken and lost a tight tiebreaker, but the chilly, rainy conditions didn't suit him as he succumbed 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.
American top seed Taylor Fritz lost to sixth seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6 (7-5), while fourth seed Karen Khachanov lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to 128th-ranked Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner.
Novak Djokovic could give himself the best 38th birthday present this weekend by annexing an elusive 100th title in the Geneva Open.
The evergreen former world No.1celebrated turning 38 by earning revenge over Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament on Thursday.
But Australian hope Alexei Popyrin missed the chance to enjoy a semi-final clash with the 24-time grand slam champ when he got knocked out by Britain's Cameron Norrie.
It appears after a poor claycourt season and with the start of the French Open just three days away, Djokovic may be running into form at the right time by the way he dismantled world No.39 Arnaldi, who had beaten the great Serb at the Madrid Masters last month.
Still not completely happy with his form, though, Djokovic, currently down at No.6 in the rankings, had a fit of temper in the second set, smashing his racquet into the clay behind the baseline after his serve had been broken to trail 3-1.
Then at 4-1 down, there was an alarming moment when he seemed to have jolted his right knee when stretching for a shot, but he recovered admirably to reel off the next five games for a 6-4 6-4 win.
Afterwards, the birthday boy apologised for his tantrum on a chilly evening in Switzerland.
"I'm sorry for the racquet, it's not a good example particularly for the young ones," Djokovic told the crowd in French in an on-court interview.
"Thanks for your support. I know that with the cold temperatures it's not easy to stay here."
Later he reflected: "I think I'm playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates.
"I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed. Hopefully I can carry that into tomorrow."
Popyrin, who believes he's finding some of his best form after a poor start to the year beset by injuries, illness and a coaching break-up, couldn't find the form later to land that semi-final crack at Djokovic, whom he beat at last year's US Open.
He will rue a missed opportunity in the first set when he served for the stanza at 5-4, only to get broken and lost a tight tiebreaker, but the chilly, rainy conditions didn't suit him as he succumbed 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.
American top seed Taylor Fritz lost to sixth seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6 (7-5), while fourth seed Karen Khachanov lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to 128th-ranked Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner.
Novak Djokovic could give himself the best 38th birthday present this weekend by annexing an elusive 100th title in the Geneva Open.
The evergreen former world No.1celebrated turning 38 by earning revenge over Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament on Thursday.
But Australian hope Alexei Popyrin missed the chance to enjoy a semi-final clash with the 24-time grand slam champ when he got knocked out by Britain's Cameron Norrie.
It appears after a poor claycourt season and with the start of the French Open just three days away, Djokovic may be running into form at the right time by the way he dismantled world No.39 Arnaldi, who had beaten the great Serb at the Madrid Masters last month.
Still not completely happy with his form, though, Djokovic, currently down at No.6 in the rankings, had a fit of temper in the second set, smashing his racquet into the clay behind the baseline after his serve had been broken to trail 3-1.
Then at 4-1 down, there was an alarming moment when he seemed to have jolted his right knee when stretching for a shot, but he recovered admirably to reel off the next five games for a 6-4 6-4 win.
Afterwards, the birthday boy apologised for his tantrum on a chilly evening in Switzerland.
"I'm sorry for the racquet, it's not a good example particularly for the young ones," Djokovic told the crowd in French in an on-court interview.
"Thanks for your support. I know that with the cold temperatures it's not easy to stay here."
Later he reflected: "I think I'm playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates.
"I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed. Hopefully I can carry that into tomorrow."
Popyrin, who believes he's finding some of his best form after a poor start to the year beset by injuries, illness and a coaching break-up, couldn't find the form later to land that semi-final crack at Djokovic, whom he beat at last year's US Open.
He will rue a missed opportunity in the first set when he served for the stanza at 5-4, only to get broken and lost a tight tiebreaker, but the chilly, rainy conditions didn't suit him as he succumbed 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.
American top seed Taylor Fritz lost to sixth seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6 (7-5), while fourth seed Karen Khachanov lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to 128th-ranked Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner.
Novak Djokovic could give himself the best 38th birthday present this weekend by annexing an elusive 100th title in the Geneva Open.
The evergreen former world No.1celebrated turning 38 by earning revenge over Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament on Thursday.
But Australian hope Alexei Popyrin missed the chance to enjoy a semi-final clash with the 24-time grand slam champ when he got knocked out by Britain's Cameron Norrie.
It appears after a poor claycourt season and with the start of the French Open just three days away, Djokovic may be running into form at the right time by the way he dismantled world No.39 Arnaldi, who had beaten the great Serb at the Madrid Masters last month.
Still not completely happy with his form, though, Djokovic, currently down at No.6 in the rankings, had a fit of temper in the second set, smashing his racquet into the clay behind the baseline after his serve had been broken to trail 3-1.
Then at 4-1 down, there was an alarming moment when he seemed to have jolted his right knee when stretching for a shot, but he recovered admirably to reel off the next five games for a 6-4 6-4 win.
Afterwards, the birthday boy apologised for his tantrum on a chilly evening in Switzerland.
"I'm sorry for the racquet, it's not a good example particularly for the young ones," Djokovic told the crowd in French in an on-court interview.
"Thanks for your support. I know that with the cold temperatures it's not easy to stay here."
Later he reflected: "I think I'm playing really good tennis. A straight-sets win, but it was much closer than the score indicates.
"I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed. Hopefully I can carry that into tomorrow."
Popyrin, who believes he's finding some of his best form after a poor start to the year beset by injuries, illness and a coaching break-up, couldn't find the form later to land that semi-final crack at Djokovic, whom he beat at last year's US Open.
He will rue a missed opportunity in the first set when he served for the stanza at 5-4, only to get broken and lost a tight tiebreaker, but the chilly, rainy conditions didn't suit him as he succumbed 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.
American top seed Taylor Fritz lost to sixth seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6 (7-5), while fourth seed Karen Khachanov lost 4-6 6-4 6-4 to 128th-ranked Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner.
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Suns captain Noah Anderson orchestrated their early dominance, and finished with a game-high 15 score involvements from 42 disposals and seven clearances. He was well supported by Touk Miller (37 disposals, seven clearances, two goals) and Matt Rowell (34, four). Tom Green led the way for the Giants with 30 disposals and 16 clearances, while Lachie Ash had 33 touches. Ash was without his defensive partner Lachie Whitfield, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter. Attempting to salvage a mismeasured kick by teammate Toby Bedford, Whitfield was involved in a side-on collision with Suns forward Ben King. Whitfield was replaced by Stringer in the second quarter. GWS were already without Whitfield's fellow All-Australian backman Sam Taylor (foot). The Suns took advantage of Taylor and Whitfield's absence, slamming through four-straight goals in 16 minutes before the Giants managed their first score - two Jake Riccardi goals - in the opening quarter. 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Marcus Bontempelli has quickly returned to his brilliant best, leading the Western Bulldogs to a 79-point AFL demolition of lowly Richmond. The 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) cakewalk on Sunday at Marvel Stadium, coupled with GWS's win over Gold Coast, put the Bulldogs back in the top eight. Their highest score this season also brought an important percentage boost in the jostle for top-eight berths, especially as it follows last week's 72-point win over St Kilda. But the Bulldogs' day out was soured by another calf muscle problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar. Ahead of his contract talks ramping up this week, and his 250th-game on Friday night against Sydney, Bontempelli was best afield against the Tigers. The Bulldogs captain racked up 36 possessions - his highest for the season - and kicked three goals, after a hard tag from Marcus Windhager had restricted him to just 14 disposals last weekend against the Saints. About the only thing Bontempelli did wrong all game was an ill-considered attempt at a high mark late in the final quarter. In his third game since returning to the AFL, Treloar was subbed out before halftime. The Bulldogs cited calf tightness. Treloar has managed only four matches this season due to persistent calf troubles. Earlier this month, coach Luke Beveridge said the 32-year-old might only be available for three or four games at a time. Fellow Bulldogs James O'Donnell and Lachie McNeil also finished the game sore and on the bench. The Bulldogs led from the start and kept Richmond goalless from 20 minutes in the first quarter until six minute into the third. A seven-goal second term for the Bulldogs, when key forward Sam Darcy looked ready to kick a bag, killed off the game after the Tigers had been competitive in the first quarter. The Bulldogs kicked the opening goal of each quarter inside the first couple of minutes, setting the scene for their easy win. While Richmond more than doubled their tally with five goals in the final term, the Bulldogs still outscored them for the quarter. Darcy kicked five goals and at the other end, Richmond key forward Tom Lynch led his team's scoring with three. Veteran Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin also impressed, with 28 possessions, while midfielders Ed Richards, Tom Liberatore and Matt Kennedy shone for the Bulldogs. Marcus Bontempelli has quickly returned to his brilliant best, leading the Western Bulldogs to a 79-point AFL demolition of lowly Richmond. The 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) cakewalk on Sunday at Marvel Stadium, coupled with GWS's win over Gold Coast, put the Bulldogs back in the top eight. Their highest score this season also brought an important percentage boost in the jostle for top-eight berths, especially as it follows last week's 72-point win over St Kilda. But the Bulldogs' day out was soured by another calf muscle problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar. Ahead of his contract talks ramping up this week, and his 250th-game on Friday night against Sydney, Bontempelli was best afield against the Tigers. The Bulldogs captain racked up 36 possessions - his highest for the season - and kicked three goals, after a hard tag from Marcus Windhager had restricted him to just 14 disposals last weekend against the Saints. About the only thing Bontempelli did wrong all game was an ill-considered attempt at a high mark late in the final quarter. In his third game since returning to the AFL, Treloar was subbed out before halftime. The Bulldogs cited calf tightness. Treloar has managed only four matches this season due to persistent calf troubles. Earlier this month, coach Luke Beveridge said the 32-year-old might only be available for three or four games at a time. Fellow Bulldogs James O'Donnell and Lachie McNeil also finished the game sore and on the bench. The Bulldogs led from the start and kept Richmond goalless from 20 minutes in the first quarter until six minute into the third. A seven-goal second term for the Bulldogs, when key forward Sam Darcy looked ready to kick a bag, killed off the game after the Tigers had been competitive in the first quarter. The Bulldogs kicked the opening goal of each quarter inside the first couple of minutes, setting the scene for their easy win. While Richmond more than doubled their tally with five goals in the final term, the Bulldogs still outscored them for the quarter. Darcy kicked five goals and at the other end, Richmond key forward Tom Lynch led his team's scoring with three. Veteran Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin also impressed, with 28 possessions, while midfielders Ed Richards, Tom Liberatore and Matt Kennedy shone for the Bulldogs. Marcus Bontempelli has quickly returned to his brilliant best, leading the Western Bulldogs to a 79-point AFL demolition of lowly Richmond. The 21.9 (135) to 8.8 (56) cakewalk on Sunday at Marvel Stadium, coupled with GWS's win over Gold Coast, put the Bulldogs back in the top eight. Their highest score this season also brought an important percentage boost in the jostle for top-eight berths, especially as it follows last week's 72-point win over St Kilda. But the Bulldogs' day out was soured by another calf muscle problem for All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar. Ahead of his contract talks ramping up this week, and his 250th-game on Friday night against Sydney, Bontempelli was best afield against the Tigers. The Bulldogs captain racked up 36 possessions - his highest for the season - and kicked three goals, after a hard tag from Marcus Windhager had restricted him to just 14 disposals last weekend against the Saints. About the only thing Bontempelli did wrong all game was an ill-considered attempt at a high mark late in the final quarter. In his third game since returning to the AFL, Treloar was subbed out before halftime. The Bulldogs cited calf tightness. Treloar has managed only four matches this season due to persistent calf troubles. Earlier this month, coach Luke Beveridge said the 32-year-old might only be available for three or four games at a time. Fellow Bulldogs James O'Donnell and Lachie McNeil also finished the game sore and on the bench. The Bulldogs led from the start and kept Richmond goalless from 20 minutes in the first quarter until six minute into the third. A seven-goal second term for the Bulldogs, when key forward Sam Darcy looked ready to kick a bag, killed off the game after the Tigers had been competitive in the first quarter. The Bulldogs kicked the opening goal of each quarter inside the first couple of minutes, setting the scene for their easy win. While Richmond more than doubled their tally with five goals in the final term, the Bulldogs still outscored them for the quarter. Darcy kicked five goals and at the other end, Richmond key forward Tom Lynch led his team's scoring with three. Veteran Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin also impressed, with 28 possessions, while midfielders Ed Richards, Tom Liberatore and Matt Kennedy shone for the Bulldogs.
