Miami Gardens, Fla. – Novak Jjokovic had a company for open victory in Miami.
Watched by Lionel Messi, Jjokovic cruised to the Miami Open Finals on Friday by routing 14th seed Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Fourth seeded Djokovic is trying out his seventh Miami Open title with his first appearance at the event since 2019. Djokovic, 37, who won six times at the previous venue of the tournament at Keybiscayne, has also won his 100th professional title.
He’s been cut off this year, starting with his retirement from an injury at the Australian Open in January. Earlier this month, he lost his first match at Indian Wells to Botic van des Zandschulp.
Djokovic will then play the winner of the Taylor Fritz Jakub Mensyk semi-finals on Friday night.
Djokovic acknowledged Messi’s presence playing for Intermiami major league soccer in an interview on the court, calling him “King Leo.”
Djokovic said that Messi visited the locker room with his wife and children and “exchanged gifts.” Djokovic has seen Messi play live before, but this was the first time football has seen him.
“It’s obviously a thrill to have his whole family,” Djokovic said. “It’s a great honor. He’s not just a football player, he’s a really great athlete. His impact on the world of sports over the past 20 years is immeasurable.
“Having him see me brings me great joy, excitement and a bit of pressure. When he brought his family, it definitely wasn’t. I was moved by it.”
The match was suspended during the third game when fans were removed by security. The chair judge came down to the court and asked for safety as he walked towards the stands.
Dimitrov was swinging along with the fans and came to the sideline to point out Heckler to the referee.
“It’s just a heckling, that’s fine,” Dimitrov said. “I’m a very calm guy overall. I don’t choose to fight, but it doesn’t cause me.”
Dimitrov eliminated Francisco Cerendulo in the quarter. He stayed on the court for 25 minutes after his victory, sitting in a wheelchair due to dizziness. He was helped by a medical professional at the tournament and canceled the post-match press conference.
Dimitrov said he was given a lot of water and ice, but “I don’t remember exactly what happened. We’re experiencing our bodies that much.
Djokovic was broken by Dimitrov in the first game, but he quickly settled down and closed the first set in 32 minutes.
The boys’ leader, with 24 Grand Slam titles, made 87% of his first serves, but lost only six matches on a refreshing day. He also only committed five forced errors in the 70-minute match.
“Now I know I feel it’s (John) Isner and (Riley) Opelka,” Djokovic said of the two serving giants.
The Serbs improved to 13-1 against Dimitrov in his career. The Bulgarians brought out the ultimate finest.
“He’s gaining confidence like dirt on your shirt,” Dimitrov said. “It’s beautiful to see. Only a few athletes on the planet have that quality.”