Novak Djokovic had an impressive performance at the Miami Open, advancing to the final with a decisive victory over 14th-seeded Grigor Dimitrov, winning 6-2, 6-3. This match, held at Hard Rock Stadium, was witnessed by football legend Lionel Messi, who received special mention from Djokovic during his on-court interview. The Serbian ace expressed his excitement about Messi’s presence, elaborating on their encounter where they exchanged gifts, highlighting the honour of having such a celebrated athlete watch him play.
Djokovic, now 37, aims for his seventh Miami Open title and a remarkable 100th ATP title, putting him just behind Roger Federer’s record of 103 titles. However, Djokovic’s path to this final has been rocky; earlier this year he struggled with form, facing an early exit at the Australian Open and losing his initial match at Indian Wells.
In a match that lasted just 70 minutes, Djokovic showcased his skill, achieving a remarkable 87% success rate on first serves and committing only five unforced errors. He quickly regained composure after being broken in the first game and dominated the remainder of the match. Reflecting on his strong serving, Djokovic quipped about feeling like John Isner or Reilly Opelka, known for their powerful serves.
Dimitrov, after a challenging quarter-final where he appeared dizzy and required medical assistance, managed to compete but couldn’t match Djokovic’s performance. He acknowledged Djokovic’s superior confidence on the court, citing it as a rare quality.
In the other semi-final, 19-year-old Jakub Mensik reached a career milestone by defeating third seed Taylor Fritz in a thrilling match that culminated in a third-set tiebreaker. Mensik, currently unseeded and ranked 54th, is the first Czech player to reach a Masters final since 2015 and expressed his nervousness and excitement about facing Djokovic, whom he had previously lost to at the Shanghai Masters.
As the final approaches, Djokovic expressed respect for Mensik, acknowledging his own experience advantage but also recognising the young Czech’s growth as a player. Mensik, who credits Djokovic as his inspiration for taking up tennis, is keen to prove himself against the seasoned champion.
Thus, the stage is set for an exciting Miami Open final, pitting Djokovic against a rising star in Mensik, promising a gripping battle of generational prowess.