Djokovic On Messi Watching Him Play: 'Brings Me Great Joy And Excitement But Also A Little Pressure'
Lionel Messi was at Hard Rock Stadium to watch Novak Djokovic play in the Miami Open.
Novak Djokovic had some company for another Miami Open victory. With Lionel Messi watching, Djokovic cruised into the Miami Open final by routing 14th-seeded Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium.
In his on-court interview, Djokovic acknowledged the presence of Messi, who plays for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, calling him “King Leo."
related stories
Djokovic said Messi visited the locker room with his wife and children and they “exchanged gifts." Djokovic has seen Messi play live before but this was the first time the football great watched him.
“Obviously, it’s a thrill to have his whole family," Djokovic said.
“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.
“To have him watch me live brings me great joy and excitement and also a little pressure. It’s definitely different when he brings his family. I was touched by that," he added.
Greatness in attendance 🏡🐐 @TeamMessi @MiamiOpen | #MiamiOpen | @InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/YoOTMCfiRM
— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 28, 2025
The fourth-seeded Djokovic is trying for his seventh Miami Open title in his first appearance in the event since 2019. The 37-year-old Djokovic, who won six times at the tournament’s previous venue at Key Biscayne, also is going for his 100th professional title.
He has been out of form this year, starting with an injury retirement at the Australian Open in January. Earlier this month, he lost his first match at Indian Wells to Botic van de Zandschulp.
Djokovic next plays the winner of Friday night’s Taylor Fritz-Jakub Mensik semifinal.
Djokovic was broken by Dimitrov in the first game, but he quickly settled down and closed out the first set in 32 minutes.
The men’s leader with 24 Grand Slam titles made 87% of his first serves, missing just six all match on a breezy day. He also committed only five unforced errors in the 70-minute match.
“Now I know how it feels to be (John) Isner and (Reilly) Opelka," Djokovic said of two serving behemoths. “Maybe my serve has been a bit underrated."
The Serbian improved to 13-1 against Dimitrov in his career. The Bulgarian pulled out the ultimate superlative.
“He wears confidence like a stain on your shirt," Dimitrov said. “It’s beautiful to see. Only a few athletes on Earth possess that quality."
(With inputs from Agencies)
- Location :
- First Published: