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Lionel Messi spotted watching on as Novak Djokovic edges closer to major landmark
Novak Djokovic is one step closer to an incredible career landmark after reaching the Miami Open final. The Serbian tennis ace beat Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets on Friday night. Djokovic is into the final of the Miami Open after beating DimitrovGetty The Serbian is closing in on a landmark 100th ATP titleGetty Djokovic triumphed 6-2, 6-3 in Florida to set up a clash with either Jakub Mensik or Taylor Fritz. A tense atmosphere saw a fan kicked out for heckling Dimitrov during the first set. The Bulgarian was unable to prevent Djokovic from reaching his first final since October once the spectator was removed, though. His semi-final victory followed wins over Rinky Hijikata, Camilo Ugo Carabelli, Lorenzo Musetti and Sebastian Korda to reach the last four. A win in the final would secure Djokovic’s 100th ATP title in his illustrious career. It would come just under 19 years on from his first win on the tour at the 2006 Dutch Open in Amersfoort. Djokovic was even cheered on by Lionel Messi as he saw off Dimitrov at the Hard Rock Stadium. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was pictured in the stands with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo. Messi was enjoying the action as he continues his recovery from an adductor injury. After missing both of Argentina’s recent World Cup qualifiers, he could return against Philadelphia Union on Saturday. X / @TennisTVMessi was spotted in the crowd at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami[/caption] X / @TennisTVThe Inter Miami captain watched on with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo[/caption] Meanwhile, Djokovic will be back on court the following day as he eyes his first title of 2025. It would also be his first ATP event win since the 2023 Tour Finals in Turin. Djokovic’s only victory last year saw him clinch gold in the men’s singles at the Paris Olympics. By beating Dimitrov, the 37-year-old has already guaranteed himself $600,000 in prize money from the Miami Open. However, winning the final would see his earnings almost double to just over $1.1million. Djokovic would also secure his seventh win at the event on his return to Miami Gardens. The current edition of the tournament is his first appearance since 2019, where he was beaten in the fourth round by Roberto Bautista Agut. His attention is set to turn to the clay court season following the final as the French Open fast approaches. The second Grand Slam of the year is scheduled to take place at Roland Garros between May 25 and Jun 8. Djokovic is set to begin his preparations at the Monte Carlo Masters from April 6 to 13.
Novak Djokovic is one step closer to an incredible career landmark after reaching the Miami Open final.
The Serbian tennis ace beat Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets on Friday night.
Djokovic triumphed 6-2, 6-3 in Florida to set up a clash with either Jakub Mensik or Taylor Fritz.
A tense atmosphere saw a fan kicked out for heckling Dimitrov during the first set.
The Bulgarian was unable to prevent Djokovic from reaching his first final since October once the spectator was removed, though.
His semi-final victory followed wins over Rinky Hijikata, Camilo Ugo Carabelli, Lorenzo Musetti and Sebastian Korda to reach the last four.
A win in the final would secure Djokovic’s 100th ATP title in his illustrious career.
It would come just under 19 years on from his first win on the tour at the 2006 Dutch Open in Amersfoort.
Djokovic was even cheered on by Lionel Messi as he saw off Dimitrov at the Hard Rock Stadium.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was pictured in the stands with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo.
Messi was enjoying the action as he continues his recovery from an adductor injury.
After missing both of Argentina’s recent World Cup qualifiers, he could return against Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Djokovic will be back on court the following day as he eyes his first title of 2025.
It would also be his first ATP event win since the 2023 Tour Finals in Turin.
Djokovic’s only victory last year saw him clinch gold in the men’s singles at the Paris Olympics.
By beating Dimitrov, the 37-year-old has already guaranteed himself $600,000 in prize money from the Miami Open.
However, winning the final would see his earnings almost double to just over $1.1million.
Djokovic would also secure his seventh win at the event on his return to Miami Gardens.
The current edition of the tournament is his first appearance since 2019, where he was beaten in the fourth round by Roberto Bautista Agut.
His attention is set to turn to the clay court season following the final as the French Open fast approaches.
The second Grand Slam of the year is scheduled to take place at Roland Garros between May 25 and Jun 8.
Djokovic is set to begin his preparations at the Monte Carlo Masters from April 6 to 13.
