Novak Djokovic returned to the Miami Open on Friday with one thing to show. The six-time champion performed his first match on the match since 2019 and began with a powerful win.
Djokovic, who had retired from his Australian Open semi-final in January in opposition to Alexander Zverev, got here to Miami after shedding early in Doha and Indian Wells. He was on a three-match shedding streak, however the world quantity 4 confirmed his class by beating Australia’s Rinky Hijikata 6-0, 7-6(1).
“I needed to show to myself and others that I can nonetheless play at a excessive stage,” Djokovic mentioned. “After shedding within the first spherical of two tournaments, I actually needed to win my first match right here in Miami.”
Djokovic dominated the primary set and half of the second earlier than Hijikata fought again and compelled a tie-break. Nonetheless, Djokovic raised his stage once more to win the tie-break simply.
“All in all, there’s at all times one thing to enhance, however I’m pleased with my stage right now. I have to stick with it and attempt to play even higher because the match goes on,” Djokovic added.
With this win, Djokovic tied Rafael Nadal for probably the most ATP Masters 1000 wins, each with 410 victories. The 37-year-old Serbian now hopes to succeed in extra milestones in Miami.
Djokovic is aiming for his a hundredth profession tour-level title. If he wins the Miami Open, he’ll be a part of Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the one males with no less than 100 titles. It might even be his seventh Miami Open title, making him the match’s most profitable participant, shifting forward of Andre Agassi, who has six.
“I’d like to have fun my a hundredth title right here in Miami,” mentioned Djokovic. “However it’s an extended match. I really feel inspired by the best way I performed right now, and I hope I can attain the ultimate and struggle for the trophy. That may be wonderful.”
In 2023, Djokovic practically accomplished the Grand Slam, successful seven titles and ending the 12 months as world primary for a record-extending eighth time. However in 2024, his solely title to this point was on the Paris Olympics, and he has remained caught on 99 profession trophies since then.
After his disappointing loss in Indian Wells, the place he made 37 unforced errors in opposition to Botic van de Zandschulp, Djokovic mentioned he used the 2 weeks earlier than Miami to work laborious on his recreation.
“I had loads of time to coach after Indian Wells,” mentioned Djokovic. “As we speak, I performed nearly good tennis for a set and a half. I’m very pleased with how I felt and performed.”
Djokovic’s subsequent match can be in opposition to fortunate loser Camilo Ugo Carabelli within the third spherical on Sunday, as he continues his hunt for a primary title since July final 12 months.