Novak Djokovic moved one step closer to an extraordinary milestone, dispatching Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets to reach his first Miami Open final since 2016. The Serbian legend, now just one win away from his 100th career ATP title, delivered a masterclass in control and precision, easing past Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3. He will now face unseeded Czech teenager Jakub Mensik, who stunned Taylor Fritz in a gripping semi-final.
Dimitrov started strong, breaking Djokovic in the opening game, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion swiftly found his rhythm. Reeling off five consecutive games, he took command of the first set with ruthless efficiency. The second set followed a similar pattern, with Djokovic capitalizing on Dimitrov’s inconsistency, limiting himself to just five unforced errors compared to his opponent’s 32.
“I’ve been trying to find that necessary and much-needed level of tennis that will put me in a position to fight for a big trophy,” Djokovic said. “I haven’t dropped a set, so I’m very happy with the way I’ve been playing.”
At 37 years and 10 months, Djokovic is now the oldest ATP Masters 1000 finalist in history. His opponent, Mensik, is at the opposite end of the career spectrum. The 19-year-old world No. 54 pulled off a surprise 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) win over third seed Fritz, relying on a dominant serve that produced 25 aces.
Mensik credited an unusual source of inspiration football icon Lionel Messi. After a chance encounter with the Inter Miami star, the Czech revealed he kept the superstition alive. “After shaking that hand, I didn’t wash it before the match to bring me some luck,” Mensik joked.
With history on the line, Djokovic now faces a fearless young challenger determined to make his own mark.
