Novak Djokovic made a flying start to his Miami Open campaign. Competing at the second Masters 1000 event of the season for the first time since 2019, Novak ousted Rinky Hijikata 6-0, 7-6in an hour and 19minutes, sailing over the top and reaching the third round.
Djokovic collected his 410th Masters 1000 victory, matching Rafael Nadal's record and hoping to leave his great rival behind in a couple of days. Also, the Serb ended hisstreak of three consecutive losses, the worst of that kind since 2018.
Djokovic played a flawless opening set in his first visit to the Hard Rock Stadium. The Serb controlled the pace and provided a bagel in 27 minutes. The six-time champion dropped three points behind the initial shot and mounted the pressure on the other side.
Novak held at 15 in the first game and made a push on the return in the next one. Rinky saved two break points and created a game point. The Sydney native squandered it and got broken to find himself 2-0 behind. Djokovic cemented the break with a hold at love in game three.
The 24-time Major winner passed his rival at the net in the fourth game, clinching another break and extending the gap. Hijikata served to stay in the set at 0-5 and saved two set points. However, he hit a double fault on the third, allowing Novak to provide a bagel in no time.
Rinky raised his level in the second set and provided two fine holds. He also created two break points in the third game, but Djokovic denied them and kept his initial shot intact. The Serb delivered a bagel in the fifth game and generated three break points in the next one.
The Aussie saved them with fine hitting and held to remain on the positive side. They served well in the remaining games and introduced a tie break. Djokovic landed an ace in the first point before Hijikata claimed an incredible rally with a forehand crosscourt winner.
Novak grabbed a mini-break in the third point and drew the rival's mistake for 3-1. The six-time winner landed a forehand down the line winner for 4-1 and claimed the sixth point after a lucky net cord and the rival's mistake at the net.
Djokovic landed a sharp return in the seventh game and generated six match points. The Serb converted the first with a powerful serve, moving over the top and earning his first victory since the Australian Open.
