It could have come earlier, but it's better late than never! Novak Djokovic notched his 411th Masters 1000 victory in the Miami Open third round, leaving his great rival Rafael Nadal on 410 and securing the ultimate record!
ADVERTISEMENT
Now, Novak holds almost every notable Masters 1000 feat, having collected the most titles, finals, semi-finals and now victories. Djokovic could have claimed the most recent record earlier, However, he slowed down in 2024 and focused on the Olympic Games.
Novak reached the final in Shanghai but lost it to Jannik Sinner in straight sets.
The Serb missed many Masters 1000 events last year, and we are seeing him embracing more challenging schedulethis year. Novak suffered an early Indian Wells loss before raising his level in Miami, claiming two wins and reaching the last 16.
Djokovic's first Masters 1000 win came 19 and a half years ago in Paris. Novak raised his level at the premium ATP series and gathered82 wins between 2007 and 2009. The Serb started his quest toward the Masters 1000 greatness in 2011.
ADVERTISEMENT
Djokovic left everyone behind between 2011 and 2016, embracing a 193-23 score and matching the pace of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Novak made another push toward his 400th Masters 1000 win, winning47 matches in 2018 and 2019.
Novak lifted six trophies at this level between 2020 and 2023, celebrating his 40th Masters 1000 crown and becoming the most decorated player of this series. However, he reduced his schedule and focused on Majors.
Djokovic earned 44 Masters 1000 wins between 2020 and 2024, which is miles behind his previous stints. The legend collected ten triumphs in 2024, becoming the second player with 400 wins and moving closer to Rafael Nadal.
Novak entered the 2025 campaign with 409 wins. He failed to improve his tally in Indian Wells before doing that in Miami, becoming the record-breaker and leaving everyone behind. Djokovic defeated Rinky Hijikata in the second round.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 37-year-old faced Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round and claimed his 411th Masters 1000 win with a 6-1, 7-6 triumph in an hour and 45 minutes. Novak dominated the opener and brought it home in 34 minutes.
They traded early breaks in the second set, with the Argentine raising his level and challenging the six-time champion. Camilo denied break points in the ninth game to remain on the positive side. They served well in the remaining ones and introduced a tie break.
Djokovic drew the rival's mistake in the first point for a mini-break and moved 3-0 up with a powerful serve. The veteran attacked in the fifth point and secured another mini-break for a 4-1 advantage. Novak landed an ace for 5-1, sailing toward the top.
World no. 5 landed a service winner for five match points and seized the first after the rival's loose drop shot. Djokovic will seek his 96th Masters 1000 quarter-final against Lorenzo Musetti. The Serb is happy with his level in Miami after three straight losses.
ADVERTISEMENT
He is still motivated to chase notable titles and fight against the rivals from the top. Novak stands on 99 ATP titles, and he would love to lift the milestone 100th at a Major or a Masters 1000 event. There are still a couple of dangerous rivals left in the draw.
However, Djokovic will have a chance to celebrate a trophy during his first visit to Hard Rock Stadium. Novak has not played in Miami since 2019. His last title in Florida came nine years ago when he matched Andre Agassi's six trophies at this event.
