Novak Djokovic reveals secret to ‘flawless tennis’ after breezing into Miami Open 3rd round

Novak Djokovic, who is bidding to win a record seventh Miami Open title, kick-started his campaign in an emphatic fashion.

Novak Djokovic reveals secret to ‘flawless tennis’ after breezing into Miami Open 3rd round

Novak Djokovic (Image via X/CGTN Sports Scene)

Novak Djokovic ended his three-match losing streak with a “flawless” tennis against Rinky Hijikata in his first match at the Miami Open. The Serb needed an hour and 19 minutes to beat the Aussie 6-0, 7-6(1) to move into the third round.

It was Djokovic’s first win since his defeat in the Indian Wells Masters opener. Prior to the Miami Open, Nole also ended his Australian Open campaign due to a hamstring injury and lost to Matteo Berrettini in his opening-round match at the Qatar Open. Djokovic, after his win, admitted that doubt over his ability to play his best loomed after his Australian Open exit.

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I was spending a lot of time actually with my team and training and really talking about the game and what needs to be done, not only from a tennis perspective but also mentally and emotionally. I obviously started doubting my game a little bit more after Australia, I didn’t have a great match, I did lose to Berrettini in Doha, he was playing great.

Novak Djokovic told Sky Sports

It was also Djokovic’s first match in the tournament since the 2019 edition. He is the most successful ATP player in the history of the tournament, having won six titles. Djokovic, however, hasn’t yet tasted success at Miami Gardens since 2016.

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The first set-and-a-half, it was flawless tennis. I think it was fair the second set went into a tie-break and I played great in the tie-break. Obviously, it’s just the first match but the way I felt on the court and the way I played is really encouraging. I haven’t played here for six years, it’s an amazing place.

Novak Djokovic added

Novak Djokovic jokes about Nick Kyrgios’ outfit after Miami Open second-round win

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios surprised the tennis world at the start of the year when they decided to pair up for the Brisbane International doubles events. They had reached the second round, where they suffered a three-set defeat to Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.

Novak Djokovic (6)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/CGTN Sports Scene)

It was Kyrgios’ first tournament in 18 months, since multiple injuries and surgeries forced him to be on the sidelines. Kyrgios also played singles in the tournament but lost in the first round. In Melbourne and Indian Wells, it was no different as he succumbed to defeats in the first rounds.

He finally ended his losing streak by beating Mackenzie McDonald in the Miami Open first round. Djokovic, on the eve of the second ATP Masters 1000 of the season, joked about how he never saw Kyrgios sporting a tennis outfit.

I saw him today (Friday) in the locker room, with his sleeveless basketball jersey. I don’t think he’s ever worn a tennis jersey, I’ve never seen him in tennis clothes. I congratulated him, I was happy for him because he’s had injuries and he’s been off the Tour, we all know his struggles.

Novak Djokovic said in his pre-tournament press conference

The win over McDonald was his first victory in over two years. Kyrgios then ended his campaign after losing to Karen Khachanov in the following match.

Novak Djokovic to lock horns with Camilo Ugo Carabelli

Novak Djokovic’s third-round opponent is Camilo Ugo Carabelli, a qualifier. The Argentine, before setting up the clash with the 24-time Grand Slam champion, knocked out Alex Michelsen.

Novak Djokovic (3)
Novak Djokovic (Image via We Are Tennis)

The match, scheduled on Sunday (March 23) will be their first meeting on the ATP Tour. If Djokovic reaches the quarterfinals, he could face Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic, who is bidding to win his 100th ATP title, was also projected to meet Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinal, but the Spaniard got knocked out of the tournament after defeat to David Goffin in the second round.