Novak Djokovic Eyes 100th Title in Miami with Lionel Messi Watching

MIAMI, March 29 — Novak Djokovic is just one win away from his 100th career singles title after dispatching Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 on Friday to advance to the Miami Open final. He will face either third seed Taylor Fritz or rising Czech star Jakub Mensik.

After dropping his opening service game, Djokovic quickly regained control, breaking back immediately and again for a 4-2 lead after a mis-hit forehand from 14th seed Dimitrov.

The Serbian secured the first set when Dimitrov sent a volley long and carried that momentum into the second, racing to a 3-0 lead. Djokovic sealed the match with an unreturnable serve on his second match point, extending his dominant record over Dimitrov to 13-1.

The fourth seed’s serving was nearly flawless in South Florida, missing just six first serves while firing five aces and committing only one double fault.

“After that first game, where I don’t think I did anything wrong—he just played an incredible game to break me—I found my rhythm,” Djokovic told the Tennis Channel. “I was hitting the right shots, making him play an extra ball … another great straight-sets win to put myself in a fantastic position to fight for the trophy in two days.”

Djokovic has now competed in 307 ATP Tour-level tournaments, winning 99 of them. Of the 76 Grand Slams he has entered, he holds a men’s record 24 titles.

In the Open Era, American Jimmy Connors leads with 109 singles titles, while Swiss legend Roger Federer won 103.

Djokovic, who has playfully mimicked playing the violin with his racket after each of his five Miami victories, appears to be in peak form, reminiscent of his dominant run at the Paris Games last summer.

When I play like this, everything is enjoyable—I forget about my age and any struggles,” he said. “I haven’t played in Miami for six years, and the love and support I’ve received over the past 10 days have been really special. I didn’t expect this much support, and I’ve been using that energy to my advantage.”

Djokovic will be the favorite in Sunday’s final, aiming for a record-breaking seventh Miami Open title, which would move him past Andre Agassi for the most championships at the Masters 1000 event.

Among those in attendance at Hard Rock Stadium was Inter Miami’s superstar Lionel Messi, a moment Djokovic cherished.

“Amazing to have him here, a great honor,” he said of Messi. “I admire him, as does most of the world, for everything he’s done in his career. We were both born in 1987, so it’s nice to have him around.” — Reuters