(Video) Novak Djokovic fumes at chair umpire Fergus Murphy over time-violation during his match against Lorenzo Musetti at the Miami Open

Novak Djokovic is now three victories away from his 100th ATP title, as he faces Sebastian Korda in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.

(Video) Novak Djokovic fumes at chair umpire Fergus Murphy over time-violation during his match against Lorenzo Musetti at the Miami Open

Novak Djokovic was fuming at Fergus Murphy (via SkySports and X)

Novak Djokovic is into the quarterfinals of the 2025 Miami Open without dropping a set en route, booking his place in the last eight of this tournament for the first time since 2016. He defeated Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets in the Round of 16.

The 37-year-old is now three victories away from his 100th ATP title. With the absence of top players like Jannik Sinner due to suspension, and Carlos Alcaraz due to an opening round exit, Djokovic’s centesimal title dream seems ever more plausible in this tournament. 

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A particular highlight from the Round of 16 match was Djokovic’s heated debate with chair umpire Fergus Murphy. In the first set, Djokovic fell behind an early break, and was given a time violation warning. Djokovic was not pleased with Murphy for the warning. Not only that, but the crux of their quarrel was who had the authority to penalize Djokovic.

Murphy contended that he was just following the automatic serve clock reiterating, “We’ve done this for about a year now.” To which Djokovic replied, “So, basically, shot clock gives me warning, not you?”

That moment proved pivotal, as Djokovic snapped into gear from there. What followed was vintage dominance – the Serbian went on to win nine consecutive games to turn a deficit into a landslide. He sealed the victory with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-2.

Another highlight of the match was the attendance of 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams, and Juan Martin del Potro. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was starstruck to have Williams and Del Potro cheering him on. Novak Djokovic even spoke about pointing to Williams after a shot, asking if it was good—and being relieved by her nod of approval. With 8 titles, Williams holds the record for the most Miami Open titles among all tennis players.

Juan Martin Del Potro, Novak Djokovic, Kayla Harrison, Serena Williams and Andy Murray
Juan Martin Del Potro, Novak Djokovic, Kayla Harrison, Serena Williams and Andy Murray (image via Miami Open)

I was starstruck! It was amazing to see first Delpo, obviously a long-time friend and a rival, so happy to have him around and get his support from the box. It was amazing; it was [the] first time to have Delpo in the box, so I want to thank him really for coming. And Serena, that was a surprise. I didn’t know. Actually, when I had that down-the-line passing shot, I pointed to her and asked her whether it was okay. She kind of said, ‘Yeah, it was fine’. If Serena says it was fine, then it was amazing by everyone else’s standards. So yeah, great to have them.

Novak Djokovic said during his on-court interview

Djokovic and Del Potro have a long-standing friendship and rivalry in the sport. Significant moments in their rivalry include the 2012 London Olympics, where Del Potro defeated Djokovic in the bronze medal match, and the 2018 US Open final, where Djokovic defeated Del Potro. Del Potro retired in 2024 after a farewell exhibition match against Djokovic titled ‘The Last Challenge’, which took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 1 December. 

Novak Djokovic will face Sebastian Korda in the quarterfinals

In the quarterfinals, Novak Djokovic, who last won a tour-level singles title at the 2023 ATP Finals, will face Sebastian Korda. Korda knocked out Gael Monfils in three sets in the previous round. He also outplayed ninth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets on his way to the quarterfinals. 

Novak Djokovic Sebastian Korda
Novak Djokovic, Sebastian Korda (image via Tennis Letter)

Korda and Djokovic have faced each other just once, and the result of it ended in the Serb’s favor. Djokovic defeated Korda in three sets at the 2023 Adelaide International final. Both the players are on a quest for their first title of the season. The 24-year-old came close to winning the Adelaide International but lost the final to Felix Auger-Aliassime in three sets.