Novak Djokovic equals Rafael Nadal’s astonishing Masters 1000 record after opening round win at the Miami Open
Novak Djokovic defeated Rinky Hijikata 6-0, 7-6(1) to earn his 410 th ATP Masters career win.
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Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (via Olympics)
Novak Djokovic ended his three-match losing streak after beating Rinky Hijikata in the second round of the Miami Open. The Serbian made history at the event by earning his 410th career ATP 1000 Masters win. He’s now tied to Rafael Nadal for the most Masters wins since the format was introduced in 1990.
The Serbian arrived in Florida at the back of a disappointing run of form. He had failed to produce an expected result since defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the Australian and had lost two opening round matches in Qatar and Indian Wells. The former World No.1 was hell-bent on making a statement at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
He began with a rock-solid display winning the first set 6-0 in just 27 minutes. He continued with the same momentum but an expected fight from Hijikata prevented the World No.1 from hitting another bagel. The 37-year-old had to fight his way through the tough and decisive second set to prevail 6-0, 7-6(1) in just an hour and twenty minutes.
The victory now takes him level with Rafael Nadal, who has 410 ATP Masters victories. The Serbian will be aiming to topple Nadal’s record as the Spaniard is no longer a professional player. He retired after playing his last pro match at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga last November. Djokovic is set to face a qualifier, Camilo Ugo Carabelli, in the next round.
However, Djokovic marked his return to the Miami Open after six years. The former World No.1 made his record 501st match at the ATP Masters 1000 level. He now holds the most Masters titles (40), ATP 1000 Finals (59), and semifinals (78). In Miami, he is bidding to become the record winner of the title. He currently sits level with Andre Agassi having won 6 each.
If Djokovic eventually wins the Miami title it will be his 100th tour-level career title. He has been seeking to reach the mark since after winning the Olympic gold medal in Paris. The 37-year-old has reached only one tournament final since then and has struggled with form and injuries in the past two months.
Novak Djokovic says he wanted to make a statement with his win over Rinky Hijikata in Miami Open
Novak Djokovic looked considerably like a transformed player against Rinky Hijikata in the second round of the Miami Open. The Serbian hit 37 unforced errors during his opening match loss against Botic van de Zandschulp in Indian Wells, but against the 24-year-old Australian he hit just three. After the match, he revealed that he wanted to make a statement victory in Miami.
I wanted to make a statement to myself and to others that I’m still able to play at a high level. I lost two tournaments in the first rounds, so I really was eager to get the win in the first match in Miami.[I played] perfect tennis for a set and a half. I think he had stepped it up in the second set, deservedly took it to a tie-break, and then I played a great tie-break. All in all, there is always something you can work on, but for me, it’s just about maintaining this level of tennis and trying to be even better if I can as the tournament progresses.
Novak Djokovic said after the match
Djokovic will now look to build on the momentum in the third round. The World No.5 is looking to returning to playing his best tennis even though he is 37. He will need an extraordinary strength to win the title considering how well young players are eager to win their first ATP Masters title this season.
Novak Djokovic likely to face either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round
As aforementioned Novak Djokovic will take on Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round of the Miami Open. The former World No.1 have never met the Argentine star, so their head-to-head record stands at 0-0. The winner will likely face Felix Auger-Aliassime or Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round of the tournament.
Djokovic has faced the Canadian twice on the court, with both having earned one win against each other. Against Musetti, the Serbian has a better advantage. He has beaten the Italian seven times in their eight meetings on Tour.
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