MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Novak Djokovic advanced to the final of the Miami Open on Friday, March 28, 2025, with a commanding victory over 14th-seeded Grigor Dimitrov, winning 6-2, 6-3. The match, held at Hard Rock Stadium, was made even more special for Djokovic as he had the iconic footballer Lionel Messi watching from the stands.
Djokovic, the fourth seed, is now set to face 19-year-old Jakub Mensik in the final on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Mensik, who is unseeded and ranked 54th in the world, pulled off a stunning upset against No. 3 seed Taylor Fritz, winning in a nail-biting semifinal that concluded with a third-set tiebreaker, 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 7-6 (7-4).
In his on-court interview, Djokovic expressed his delight at having Messi, who plays for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami, in attendance. The two athletes exchanged gifts in the locker room, and Djokovic noted that this was the first time Messi had watched him play live. "Obviously, it’s a thrill to have his whole family. It’s a huge honor. He’s such a great athlete, not just a football player. His impact on the world of sports in the last 20 years has been immense," Djokovic said.
Djokovic’s performance against Dimitrov was impressive, as he made 87% of his first serves and committed only five unforced errors during the 70-minute match. After being broken in the first game, Djokovic quickly regained his composure, wrapping up the first set in just 32 minutes. The Serbian superstar improved his career record against Dimitrov to an impressive 13-1.
Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic humorously compared his serving prowess to that of renowned servers like John Isner and Reilly Opelka, saying, "Now I know how it feels to be Isner and Opelka. Maybe my serve has been a bit underrated." His confidence shone through as he dominated the match, showcasing why he is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Meanwhile, Dimitrov, who had a strong run to the semifinals, faced an unexpected disruption during the match when a fan was removed by security for heckling. Despite the incident, Dimitrov remained composed, stating, "It’s just heckling, it’s fine. I’m a very calm guy overall. I don’t pick any fights but don’t trigger me." After the match, he was seen sitting in a wheelchair due to dizziness and required assistance from medical personnel.
In the other semifinal, Mensik's victory over Fritz was a testament to his growing talent and resilience. He demonstrated nerves of steel in the tiebreaker, winning the last three points to secure his spot in the final. Mensik, who credits Djokovic as his inspiration for taking up tennis, expressed his excitement about facing the Serbian legend again, having previously lost to him in a three-set match at the Shanghai Masters last October.
"It feels incredible, unbelievable to play him. It was a dream to play against him in Shanghai. I’m a better player now than I was in Shanghai," Mensik said, highlighting the significance of the upcoming final. The 19-year-old’s journey to the final has captivated fans, and he is poised to make history as the youngest player to win the Miami Open.
As for Djokovic, he is not only chasing his seventh Miami Open title but also his 100th professional title. This milestone adds an extra layer of significance to the final, as Djokovic aims to solidify his legacy in the sport.
With Messi in attendance and the stakes high, the Miami Open final promises to be an exhilarating showdown. Fans are eagerly anticipating how Djokovic will fare against the young upstart Mensik, who has already proven he can compete at the highest level. The matchup between the experienced champion and the rising star is sure to be a highlight of the tennis calendar.
As the date approaches, the excitement builds, and both players are ready to give their all on the court. Will Djokovic continue his dominant run, or will Mensik rise to the occasion and claim a historic victory? One thing is for sure: the Miami Open final will be a must-watch event, showcasing the best of tennis and the spirit of competition.
