Six time Miami Open champion Novak Djokovic is back in Florida after six years! The 24-time Major winner made an impressive debut at the Hard Rock Stadium, ousting Rinky Hijikata 6-0, 7-6 in an hour and 19 minutes.
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Novak arrived in Miami with three straight defeats. He raised his level following an early exit in Indian Wells and produced reliable numbers in his record-equaling 410th Masters 1000 victory. The Serb liked how he performed, calling it a perfect start to the campaign.
Djokovic played flawless tennis for a set and a half. He survived one challenging game in the second set and outplayed Rinky in the tie break to emerge at the top and move through.
Novak claimed 24 points more than his opponent. The six-time winner served at 80% and dropped eight points in nine service games. The veteran denied two break points in the only shaky service game and kept the pressure on the other side.
Hijikata did not show up in the opening set, suffering three breaks and experiencing a bagel in 27 minutes. The Sydney native raised his level in the second set, defending three breaks points and staying in touch until the tie break.
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Djokovic fired 21 winners and 12 unforced errors, taming his strokes superbly. Rinky stayed on an 18-22 ratio and claimed three points more than the legend at the net. However, it was not enough to keep him competitive.
Novak built a 19-12 advantage in service winners and outplayed his rival43-23 from the baseline to sail over the top. The Serb will face Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round. He should be a clear favorite to earn another win and remain on the title course.
"It was a perfect start to the tournament. This was my first match in Miami in six years, an extended period. I expected to step onto the court and perform better than in the last couple of tournaments.
I lost in Indian Wells two weeks ago and had plenty of time to work on my game. I used that time to prepare well, and it reflected positively on my game today. I played almost flawless tennis for a set and a half. I'm very pleased with my performance," Novak Djokovic said.
