After enduring a two-month dry spell, world number five tennis player Novak Djokovic emerged triumphant at the Miami Open, with his success significantly attributed to a series of profound discussions with fellow tennis player Andy Murray. Djokovic’s victory against Rinky Hijikata, with a score of 6-0 7-6(1), marked his first match win in exactly 60 days since his last win against Carlos Alcaraz in Australia.
Djokovic’s recent performance at the Miami Open, his first participation in this tournament in half a decade, was under intense scrutiny due to his lack of match victories since 2019. However, Djokovic dazzled on the court, delivering a near-perfect performance to secure the first seven games of his match against Hijikata. The Australian opponent managed to elevate his game in the second set, yet this was a far cry from Djokovic’s disappointing early exit at Indian Wells, where he was defeated by Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening match.
Djokovic, who has 24 Major wins to his name, had been off the competition circuit for approximately two weeks. He used this time to regroup with his team and Andy Murray, who not only is a former adversary on the court but also serves as his coach. Through intense training and candid conversations about the game, Djokovic was able to regain his confidence and reassess his strategy, both on the court and emotionally. The Serbian player admitted to Sky Sports that he had been questioning his game following his unsatisfactory performance in Australia and a particularly lackluster showing in Indian Wells.
Djokovic’s discussions with Murray proved to be a significant turning point. Together, they analyzed his game and agreed that persistence and quality practice sessions would eventually yield positive results. Djokovic said, “I really believe in the process and I’m really glad that I started off the Miami Open the way I did today so hopefully I can keep going.”
As Djokovic prepares to face fortunate loser Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round of the Miami Open, he carries with him both a renewed sense of confidence and a determination to continue improving his form. Reflecting on his return to Miami after six years, Djokovic stated, “It’s a great place. I have some amazing memories, obviously mostly from Key Biscane, but I look forward to competing some more.”
