After three straight losses, Novak Djokovic raised his level at the Miami Open. The six-time champion returned to Florida after six years and reached the title clash, collecting his 60th Masters 1000 final.
Novak ousted five rivals and arranged the title clash with Jakub Mensik. At 37 years and tenmonths, Djokovic became the oldest Masters 1000 finalist, taking the record away from Roger Federer and adding another notable milestone to his CV!
The veteran defeated five rivals en route to his eighth Miami Open final. Novak claimed three tie breaks and dominated the remaining sets to sail into the title clash. Hefaced Rinky Hijikata in the second round and earned a 6-0, 7-6 victory.
The Serb dominated the opener and prevailed in the second set with a strong performance in the tie break. The legend faced Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round and notched a 6-1, 7-6 win. It was a similar match to the previous one.
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Novak had the upper hand in the opener and played another flawless tie break to move into the last 16. The veteranbattled against Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round and earned a comfortable 6-2, 6-2 victory. The Italian made a solid start.
However, the Serb stepped in and left his opponent behind, playing well and reaching the last eight. Novak faced Sebastian Korda in the quarter-final and delivered another fine performance in a 6-3, 7-6 triumph. Thus, hebecame the oldest Masters 1000 semi-finalist.
The 37-year-old played against his good friend, Grigor Dimitrov, in the last four. Novak earneda 6-2, 6-3 win in 70 minutes, overcoming a slow start and leaving his tired opponent behind. Thus, the Serb reached his first Miami Open final since 2016.
In addition, he became the oldest Masters 1000 finalist, replacing Roger Federer at the top of the chart. Chasing his 100th ATP title, Djokovic experienced a tight 7-6, 7-6 loss to a teenager Jakub Mensik in two hours and three minutes.
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The veteran fought well against the young gun. They traded breaks in the opening set, and Mensik stepped in and clinched both tie breaks to emerge at the top. Thus, Novak missed a chance to become the oldest Masters 1000 champion, keeping that record in Federer's hands.
However, the Serb is motivated to play well at notable events and chase more Major and Masters 1000 crowns in the next couple of years.
