Novak Djokovic seems to have straightened out his game after some recent struggles following a hamstring injury he suffered at the Australian Open. He has also done it in front of a special audience.
Djokovic beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 in the semifinals of the Miami Open in Miami, Fla., on Friday. He had a special guest in attendance — soccer legend Lionel Messi. Messi, who plays for MLS team Inter Miami, was with his wife and watching Djokovic play.
Djokovic said it was an “honor” to have Messi at the match. He also admitted he was “nervous” to play in front of the soccer star.
Novak Djokovic: "It’s a great honor to have King Leo in the stands. I think it’s the first time I’ve played in front of Messi, and honestly, I was a little nervous.”
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) March 28, 2025
“I am very grateful for his attendance with his family. I have always been a fan of him, as most of the world… pic.twitter.com/5ez43RBNE0
“Amazing to have him. A great honor and pleasure to play … in front of him,” Djokovic said in a post-match interview.
Djokovic added that he admires Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title.
Novak Djokovic on Lionel Messi watching his match with Dimitrov in Miami
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 28, 2025
"I'm really grateful he was here with his son & family. I admired him for most of his career. We're actually the same age. Born in 87. Nice to still have him around."
pic.twitter.com/kBC4Fo5OEM
Much like Djokovic, Messi has been dealing with an injury. He’s been out since March 16 due to his hamstring, but is expected to return to action on Saturday.
Djokovic was truly on during his match against Dimitrov. He made 87 percent of his first serves despite the windy conditions, which helped him control things and gave Dimitrov very little chance. Djokovic joked afterwards that now he knew what it was like to be John Isner, Reilly Opelka and Ivo Karlovic — players who are known for their dominant serves.
Djokovic has now moved into the finals of the Masters 1000 tournament.
