Novak Djokovic has burst back onto the scene in commanding fashion at the Miami Open, putting on a masterclass that echoes the dominance of his prime. With his latest triumph—an emphatic 6-2, 6-2 takedown of Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti—Djokovic is now just three wins shy of clinching a historic 100th career title, and the tennis world is watching with bated breath.
Facing a much younger opponent in 23-year-old Musetti, the 24-time Grand Slam champion left no room for doubt. Under the watchful eyes of Serena Williams, Djokovic dictated the pace, showing flashes of his old brilliance as he dismantled Musetti’s game point by point. The Italian had once bested Djokovic at the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters, but this time, he barely had a foothold in the contest. Even his celebration after managing a single game in the second set felt like a concession to the Serbian’s overwhelming presence.
Djokovic’s confident body language, the relaxed smile mid-rally, and his ease in retrieving lobs painted the picture of a man fully in command—not just of the match, but of his current form. That grin after chasing down a lob and claiming the point while already cruising toward the finish line was a vivid sign that Djokovic’s swagger is back, just in time for a quarter-final showdown with American Sebastian Korda.
There’s a sense of destiny building around Djokovic this week. Already having overtaken Rafael Nadal for the most wins in ATP Masters 1000 history earlier in the tournament, he now eyes a potential seventh Miami Open crown—a feat that would also mark his 100th ATP title. It’s a tantalizing target that could soon be within his grasp. And beyond that milestone? The pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title that would push him past Margaret Court’s all-time record looms large.
“I think my level is really good, I’m very happy,” Djokovic told Sky Sports Tennis.
“This was the best match of the tournament for me so far and what I like is to see me as I progress through the tournament raising the level of tennis and that’s what happening.
“He played a couple of really good games at the start of the match, but I broke his serve and never looked back. I won nine games in a row. Phenomenal.”
Djokovic also opened up about his unique collaboration with former rival and now coach, Andy Murray—an unexpected partnership that’s still taking shape. Their relationship, once defined by fierce competition, is evolving into something far more collaborative and mutually respectful.
“We don’t know each other that well as people,” said Djokovic. “We shared the same stage, so to say, and were on the tour for a very long time and know each other for 20-25 years since the junior days, but obviously when you’re rivals you don’t interact as much.
“Today, as we waited for the matches to start after the rain delay, we had a chance to sit down together and we had a very interesting talk.
“I’ve always had tremendous respect for Andy, as a player, but now even more so as a person. He’s such a nice guy and I’m really grateful he cares about me doing well on the court.
“It’s still surreal that one of my biggest rivals is my coach, and he’s fist-bumping and jumping around in the box.
“Sometimes I pinch myself and ask myself ‘is this real? Is this a dream?’ but it’s great.
“We’re trying to get the most out of this relationship of player and coach and also to spend some quality time together. Miami has been good. We were here early, almost a week before the tournament started.
“We are trying to get the best out of this as a player and coach and we are also trying to spend time together. We’ve had a great time together playing golf and having dinner. It has been fun.”
Adding to the theatre of the night, tennis royalty Serena Williams was in attendance, along with former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro—an audience that could intimidate even the best. But for Djokovic, their presence served as fuel rather than pressure.
“It was an honour to have Serena courtside. It may be only the first or second time she has watched me live so maybe I was a bit nervous.
“I also had (Juan Martin) Del Potro in the box, so I had to perform in front of them. I think I did well.”
Djokovic’s journey in Miami now edges into familiar territory—his 96th ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final awaits, with the possibility of reaching triple digits in career titles just around the corner. At 37, most players are winding down, but for Novak Djokovic, the fire still burns, and history still beckons.