Belgian tennis powerhouse, David Goffin, has kicked off the Miami Masters on a victorious note with a hard-fought win against Aleksandar Vukic in the opening round. Goffin overcame the challenge in an hour and 42 minutes, scoring a 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory, setting the stage for a thrilling second-round face-off against world number three, Carlos Alcaraz.
Goffin, unwaveringly focused and motivated, relishes the opportunity to take on the world’s top tennis champions. Ahead of his impending clash with Alcaraz, Goffin praised the young talent, expressing his exhilaration to compete against him on a grand stage.
In 2024, Goffin, after a series of disappointing performances, rediscovered his winning form, ending the season on the cusp of the top-50. This revival ignited his ambition to extend his professional career and engage in more high-stakes challenges against the sport’s elite.
Goffin spoke highly of Alcaraz, acknowledging the significant strides he has made in enhancing his game since their last encounter in the latter half of 2022. Goffin recognized Alcaraz’s improved serve, attributing it to technical advancements, and applauded his unwavering commitment to the sport and robust team support. Despite being perceived as the underdog, Goffin is eager to measure his skills against one of the world’s premier players.
Alcaraz, on the other hand, is on a quest for his second Miami Open title, his first one dating back to 2022. A year ago, Alcaraz was defeated by Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-final in straight sets, a setback that has left him hungry for crucial ranking points. However, 2025 has not yet seen him claim a title, with his latest defeat occurring in the Indian Wells semi-final.
Goffin’s initial foray into the Miami Masters did not start on a high note, with Vukic seizing the first set 6-2. However, the Belgian ace regrouped, securing the second set 6-4 and gaining momentum. He dominated the final set, securing his spot in the impending clash against world number three.
In a statement, Goffin expressed his motivation, “I persist in playing tennis to measure myself against the world’s best. I have another opportunity against Carlos. He may be young, but he’s an exceptional player. Competing against him on a grand stage is a joy, and I anticipate an exhilarating match. I’ve felt great since the middle of last season, and my confidence has returned. Carlos has elevated all aspects of his game, particularly his serve, through technique changes and physical enhancements. He’s much stronger than when we last competed. Carlos has a dedicated team behind him, propelling him to be a better player. Facing him will be challenging, but I’m eager to see what I can do,” he concluded.