The six-time winner beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 to reach his first Miami Open final since 2019.Novak Djokovic had some company for another Miami Open victory.
With Lionel Messi watching from a suite, Djokovic cruised into the Miami Open final by routing 14th-seeded Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 on Friday at the Hard Rock Stadium.
The fourth-seeded Djokovic is trying for his seventh Miami Open title in his first appearance in the event since 2019. The 37-year-old Djokovic, who won six times at the tournament’s previous venue at Key Biscayne, also is going for his 100th professional title.
He has been out of form this year, starting with an injury retirement at the Australian Open in January. Earlier this month, he lost his first match at Indian Wells to Botic van de Zandschulp.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, centre, sits with his family in the stands during the match in Miami [Geoff Burke-Imagn Images/Reuters]
Next up for Djokovic is the winner of Friday night’s Taylor Fritz-Jakub Mensik semifinal.
In his on-court interview, Djokovic acknowledged the presence of Messi, who plays for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami. He also said: “It is very special having not played here in six years in the best city in the world.”
Djokovic was a late withdrawal last year after losing his second match at Indian Wells and deciding he needed time off to be with his family.
The men’s semifinal was disrupted during the third game when a fan was removed by security. The chair umpire came down to the court from his elevated chair and called fo …
