Six-time champion Novak Djokovic has advanced to the quarterfinals of the ATP Miami Open with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory over 15th seed Lorenzo Musetti on Wednesday (IST).
The 37-year-old, now just three wins away from securing his 100th tour-level title, will next face American Sebastian Korda.
This marks Djokovic’s first appearance in Miami since 2019. He had not advanced to the quarterfinals since winning the title at Crandon Park in 2016, according to the ATP.
Djokovic initially fell behind after an early break and received a time violation warning. However, that moment proved pivotal, as the 40-time Masters 1000 winner shifted gears and won nine consecutive games, turning the deficit into a dominant victory. He sealed his place in the last eight after one hour and 23 minutes.
Djokovic delivered a statement performance in front of tennis legends Serena Williams and Juan Martin del Potro, with the Argentine watching from his box.
“I was starstruck! It was amazing to see DelPo, obviously a long-time friend and rival. I’m so happy to have him around and to get his support from the box. It was the first time he was in my box, so I really want to thank him for coming. And Serena—that was a surprise. I didn’t know,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.
“Actually, when I hit that down-the-line passing shot, I pointed at her and asked if it was okay. She kind of said, ‘Yeah, it was fine.’ If Serena says it was fine, then it was amazing by everyone else’s standards. So yeah, great to have them,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Korda edged past Gael Monfils 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Matteo Berrettini defeated 10th-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur 6-3, 7-6(7).
Taylor Fritz will be Berrettini’s next opponent after the third-seeded American defeated lucky loser Adam Walton 6-3, 7-5. With his victory on the Grandstand court, Fritz equaled his best Miami result—a quarterfinal run in 2023.
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