Tennis star, Novak Djokovic, delivered a commanding performance to secure a place in the Miami Open semi-finals, defeating American Sebastian Korda 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).
At 37, the Serbian star became the oldest man to reach the last four of a Masters 1000 event, showcasing his enduring brilliance on the court.
Djokovic stamped his authority early in the match, breaking Korda’s serve and maintaining control to take the first set.
The American, however, fought back valiantly in the second, forcing a tie-break. Yet, the fourth seed, aiming for his seventh Miami Open title, and first since 2016—proved too strong, sealing victory with a decisive ace.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner credited his dominant serving for the triumph, winning 84% of his first-serve points.
“One word, serve. I was serving very well, probably the best serving performance, not just here, but in a long time,” Djokovic told reporters.
“Eleven aces, when I needed to find the first serve. It makes life easier on the court when you are feeling your serve. I needed it in the second set when I think Korda was feeling his ground strokes much better.”
With a Miami Open title, Djokovic would reach an extraordinary milestone—his 100th career singles title. Reflecting on his current form, he expressed satisfaction with his performance.
“I am obviously playing the best tennis I have played in quite some time. It’s great when I experience tournaments like this and performances like this. It motivates me and encourages me to keep going for more,” he said.
Meanwhile, Czech teenager Jakub Mensik made history by reaching his first-ever Masters 1000 semi-final, defeating France’s Arthur Fils 7-6 (7/5), 6-1. Fils, who stunned top seed Alexander Zverev in the previous round, struggled to replicate his heroics against the 19-year-old.
Mensik, ranked 54th in the world, relied on his powerful serve to dominate the match. Fils, visibly fatigued after grueling battles against Frances Tiafoe and Zverev, put up a fight in the opening set but couldn’t keep up in the second.
“It feels incredible. I think the biggest result so far in my career, so I’m glad I just kept going since the first round,” Mensik said.
“That’s the key, to keep the focus during the two weeks, because it’s always tough. The job is not done.”
After surviving a tight first set, Mensik took complete control in the second, wrapping up the match in just 75 minutes. His next challenge will be American third seed Taylor Fritz, who battled past Matteo Berrettini 7-5, 6-7 (7/9), 7-5.
Berrettini, known for his booming serve, staged an incredible fightback in the second set, saving six match points in a dramatic tie-break.
The decider remained evenly matched until Fritz found a crucial breakthrough at 6-5, securing the victory with a composed service game.
“Obviously gave myself a lot of chances throughout the match. I wish I could have made it happen in the second set,” said Fritz.
“I think I made it extremely tough for myself. He raised his level and played really well in the third, so I had to work, you know, extra hard to win the third set and raise my level, as well.
“After not closing it out, not winning those match points, I think I showed one of my biggest strengths in resetting and being able to win the third.”
With the semi-finals set, Djokovic will face Grigor Dimitrov, while Mensik takes on Fritz in a thrilling showdown for a spot in the Miami Open final.
