Novak Djokovic sneaks into the final and dreams of being centenary in Miami | ATP Tour

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Djokovic sneaks into the final and dreams of being a centenary in Miami

The Serbian could achieve Title No. 100 of his career this Sunday

March 28, 2025

Whoever dare to question his resilience, is focused on making mistakes again and again. And this has been demonstrated by Novak Djokovic in this edition of the Miami Open presented by It Itaú, a tournament in which he landed after linking his worst run since 2018 with three consecutive losses. However, the Serbian was classified this Friday for the final.

The valid No. 5 of the PIF ATP Rankings defeated on the central track of the Hard Rock Stadium in the finalist of the last Grigor Dimitrov edition, in the oldest semifinal in the history of the ATP Masters 1000 (since 1990) by 6-2, 6-3, in one hour and ten minutes.

“After the Olympic Games, which was my title 99, I knew that each tournament would play for the 100. I couldn’t get it until,” this Sunday, “Djokovic warned. “I’m going to go with everything. I haven’t given a set. I am playing very good tennis, as I had long.”

Djokovic has recovered its most competitive version, when I needed it most. After retiring in the semifinals of the Australian Open in front of Alexander Zverev, he did not find a way to feel comfortable on the track on his return in Doha (p. With Berrettini) nor in Indian Wells (p. With Botic Van de Zandschulp).

The six -time champion, who did not participate in Miami since 2019, claims a throne that has not conquered for nine seasons. And next Sunday he will try to become the player with the most titles in the tournament, breaking the equality he maintains with Andre Agassi (6). For now, it has as many ends as the American.

More finals in Miami

*This Sunday will play its eighth final at the Miami Open present by It Itaú

He has recovered the spark in a fortnight in which a set has not been left along the way to reach its end No. 60 in ATP Masters 1000 territory, expanding the domain it presents in this category with more titles (40) and games won (414).

His most recent victory signed her against an opponent, who dominates 13-1 at the Lexus ATP Head2head. And that Dimitrov threatened to change the sign of the face to face, with a threatening initial break.

It was a mirage, because Djokovic immediately replied with a blank break. And he didn’t stop anymore. The Serbian won nine of the following ten games to open a gap impossible to save for Dimitrov (6-2, 3-0).

“The serve was undoubtedly the highlight of my game,” Djokovic acknowledged in the interview on the foot of the track. “I think I had 83% with first services in the last game and I thought it would be difficult to overcome it, but I think I did 87% today. I don’t know what to say, I have gotten very well and I hope to continue like this because it makes my life easier on the track.”

87% of points won with the first service (39/45), according to Infosys ATP statistics, shielded any reaction by the Bulgarian.

At 37 years and 10 months, Djokovic continues to beat longevity records. However, he is already the most veteran player to get so far in an ATP Masters 1000, since Roger Federer, with 37 years and 7 months, did precisely in Miami 2019.

But if there is a record that seems more tangible than ever for Djokovic, it is the possibility of joining the Centennial Club in the ATP Tour, which at the moment can only be part of Jimmy Connors (107) and Roger Federer (103). The Serbian, with 99 titles in his showcase, will try to make history this Sunday against Taylor Fritz or Jakub Mensik.

Did you know what …?

Novak Djokovic has a record of 21-1 at the Miami Open presented by It Itaú from the quarterfinals: 8-0 in the quarterfinals, 7-0 in the semifinals and 6-1 in the late. The only one who has been able to defeat him at this point in the tournament in Florida is his current coach Andy Murray, who could with him in the game for the title in 2009.