Djokovic Dominates Dimitrov to Reach Miami Open Final

Novak Djokovic delivered a dominant performance to reach the Miami Open final, defeating Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3. Get the latest updates on Djokovic's pursuit of his 100th title.

Novak Djokovic delivered a dominant performance to reach the Miami Open final, defeating Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 on Friday. This victory marked a milestone for Djokovic, as he became the oldest man to reach an ATP Masters 1000 title match.

Djokovic's impressive display against Dimitrov showcased his enduring prowess on the court. He extended his commanding head-to-head record against Dimitrov to 13-1, wrapping up the match in just 69 minutes. Djokovic's next challenge will come in the form of Jakub Mensik, who upset Taylor Fritz to secure his spot in the final.

Mensik's unexpected victory over Fritz has set up an intriguing showdown with Djokovic, who is now just one win away from claiming his 100th title.

The Miami Open semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov made history as the oldest Masters 1000 semi-final, with a combined age of 70. Djokovic's serve was a key factor in his 6-2, 6-3 victory, with an impressive 87% of his first serves and five aces.

Djokovic's all-round performance was equally impressive, and he will head into the final with confidence, aiming to secure his landmark 100th professional title. “It was very windy today, very difficult to control the ball, changing direction all the time but I had good serves and held my nerves,” said the 37-year-old.

Djokovic was particularly pleased with his serve, which he considered the highlight of the match. “The serve was again the highlight of the match for me. I think it was 84% last game and I thought that would be difficult to beat that but today it was 87% so I don't know what to say?” He acknowledged the importance of his serve in making his life easier on the court. “Hopefully I can continue in the same fashion because that definitely makes my life easier.”

After a slow start to the season, Djokovic appears to have regained his momentum, and his sights are set on achieving his 100th title. “After the Olympics, which was the 99th title, every tournament I play in has been going for 100 and I haven't been able to achieve that. Hopefully Sunday, I am going to go all in,” he said, expressing his determination to secure the landmark victory.

The highly anticipated match between Jakub Mensik and Taylor Fritz unfolded as expected, with the two players engaging in a grueling baseline battle. The Czech player ultimately emerged victorious, winning two tiebreaks to secure a 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 triumph. Mensik's impressive performance was marked by 25 aces and relentless power-hitting, which kept Fritz under pressure throughout the match.

Mensik was ecstatic about reaching his first Masters 1000 final, saying, “I just... I cannot describe how I feel right now, the feeling will come later. It was a fantastic atmosphere even though I was facing an American here.” He credited his focus as the key to his success, explaining, “The key was to stay focused. He serves the same as me, so it was just a game of serves. He didn't give me the opportunity to break him, so the two tiebreaks decided it.”

An honor to meet the greatness and his whole family. Gracias Leo. Asta pronto 🙌💪 pic.twitter.com/E6NnuHJSv0

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 28, 2025

Fritz, on the other hand, was left to ponder what could have been, despite his serve remaining unbroken throughout the match. He faced only two break points in the entire game. Fritz expressed his disappointment, saying, “It doesn't really take the pain away too much. Between the two breakers, like, I have to win one of them. I have to play a little bit better.” He reflected on his usual ability to perform under pressure, stating, “I think when I'm playing well, when I'm winning matches, it's kind of just what I do. I pull through these situations. So to just kind of get out-toughed in two breakers, it sucks.”

Fritz acknowledged that he had fulfilled his primary objective of protecting his serve but ultimately fell short. “I did my job. I didn't get broken. I didn't face a break point until the third set, so... It sucks,” he added. Mensik will now face Novak Djokovic in the final, having lost to the Serbian player in their only previous encounter in Shanghai last October.