The six-time winner defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3, reaching his first Miami Open Final since 2019.
Novak Djokovic had several companies for another Miami open victory.
With Lionel Messi watching from the suite, Djokovic cruised to the Miami Open Finals on Friday by routing No. 14 seed Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Fourth seeded Djokovic is trying out his seventh Miami Open title with his first appearance at the event since 2019. Djokovic, 37, who won six times at the previous venue of the tournament at Keybiscayne, has also won his 100th professional title.
He’s been cut off this year, starting with his retirement from an injury at the Australian Open in January. Earlier this month, he lost his first match at Indian Wells to Botic van des Zandschulp.
Djokovic is next to the winner of the Taylor Fritz Jakub Mensik semi-finals on Friday night.
Djokovic acknowledged the presence of Messi playing for Intermiami, a major league soccer player. He also said, “It’s very special because I haven’t played here in the best city in the world for six years.”
Djokovic lost his second match at the Indian Wells last year and was late withdrawal after deciding that he needed a vacation to be with his family.
The men’s semi-finals were confused during the third game where fans were removed by security. The stool judge came down from his high chair to the courthouse and asked for safety as he walked towards the stands.
Dimitrov was swinging along with the fans and came to the sideline to point out Heckler to the referee.
Dimitrov eliminated Francisco Cerendulo in the quarter. He stayed on the court for 25 minutes after his victory due to dizziness, and was helped by the tournament’s medical workers.
Djokovic was broken by Dimitrov in the first game, but he quickly settled down and closed the first set in 32 minutes.
With Djokovic 3-0 in the second set, the boys’ leader with 24 grand slam titles posting just four forced errors. He improved to 13-1 against Dimitrov for his career.
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