Djokovic Makes Strong Return at Miami Open with Easy Win

Novak Djokovic returned to the Miami Open on Friday with something to prove. The six-time champion played his first match at the tournament since 2019 and started with an impressive win.

Djokovic, who had retired from his Australian Open semi-final in January against Alexander Zverev, came to Miami after losing early in Doha and Indian Wells. He was on a three-match losing streak, but the world number four showed his class by beating Australia’s Rinky Hijikata 6-0, 7-6(1).

“I wanted to prove to myself and others that I can still play at a high level,” Djokovic said. “After losing in the first round of two tournaments, I really wanted to win my first match here in Miami.”

Djokovic dominated the first set and half of the second before Hijikata fought back and forced a tie-break. However, Djokovic raised his level again to win the tie-break easily.

“All in all, there is always something to improve, but I’m happy with my level today. I need to keep it up and try to play even better as the tournament goes on,” Djokovic added.

With this win, Djokovic tied Rafael Nadal for the most ATP Masters 1000 wins, both with 410 victories. The 37-year-old Serbian now hopes to reach more milestones in Miami.

Djokovic is aiming for his 100th career tour-level title. If he wins the Miami Open, he will join Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the only men with at least 100 titles. It would also be his seventh Miami Open title, making him the tournament’s most successful player, moving ahead of Andre Agassi, who has six.

“I’d love to celebrate my 100th title here in Miami,” said Djokovic. “But it’s a long tournament. I feel encouraged by the way I played today, and I hope I can reach the final and fight for the trophy. That would be amazing.”

In 2023, Djokovic nearly completed the Grand Slam, winning seven titles and finishing the year as world number one for a record-extending eighth time. But in 2024, his only title so far was at the Paris Olympics, and he has remained stuck on 99 career trophies since then.

After his disappointing loss in Indian Wells, where he made 37 unforced errors against Botic van de Zandschulp, Djokovic said he used the two weeks before Miami to work hard on his game.

“I had plenty of time to train after Indian Wells,” said Djokovic. “Today, I played almost perfect tennis for a set and a half. I’m very happy with how I felt and played.”

Djokovic’s next match will be against lucky loser Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round on Sunday, as he continues his hunt for a first title since July last year.