Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, marked his return to the Miami Open after six years with a commanding performance against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, securing a 6-2, 6-2 victory to claim his spot in the quarter-finals.
The match, delayed by rain, saw a shaky start from the Serbian, who was broken in the opening game and trailed 2-0.
However, the world number five turned the tide with nine consecutive game wins, leaving Musetti little chance to regain momentum.
Watching from the grandstands was tennis legend Serena Williams, whose approval of Djokovic’s dazzling down-the-line passing shot sparked lighthearted commentary from the victor: “If Serena says it was fine, then it was amazing by everyone else’s standards.”
Djokovic now prepares for a clash against American Sebastian Korda, who overcame Frenchman Gael Monfils in a thrilling three-set contest.
Meanwhile, in the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka continued her stellar run by defeating China’s Zheng Qinwen 6-2, 7-5 to reach the Miami semi-finals for the first time.
The Belarusian overcame a second-set slump, rallying from 4-2 down to clinch victory. Sabalenka credited her resilience: “Even when something didn’t work well, I was there and fighting for every point.”
The world number one is set to face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, who confidently dispatched Poland’s Magda Linette 6-3, 6-2 in her quarter-final. Paolini exhibited remarkable defense, saving seven of eight break points to secure her spot in the semi-finals.
