Novak Djokovic cruised into the Miami Open quarter-finals with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 victory over Lorenzo Musetti, but the match was made even more special by the presence of tennis legend Serena Williams in the stands. Djokovic admitted to being “star-struck” by Williams’ attendance and revealed that he even sought her approval during the match.
Djokovic Lights Up Miami with Tennis Royalty in Attendance
The six-time Miami Open champion was in fine form as he dismantled Musetti, securing his eighth quarter-final appearance in the Magic City and his first since the event moved to Hard Rock Stadium. But the match wasn’t just about Djokovic’s impressive performance; it was also about the star-studded audience that included Williams, Juan Martin del Potro, and even his coach, Andy Murray.
A “Bit Star-Studded,” Says Djokovic
“It was great to have Serena courtside, and Del Potro in my box, and Andy as my coach,” Djokovic told reporters after the match. “It was a bit star-studded, to be honest!” Djokovic’s performance against Musetti was arguably his best since the Australian Open, demonstrating his determination to chase his 100th tour-level title.
Djokovic Seeks Serena’s Approval
Djokovic also shared a fun moment he had with Williams after hitting a stunning backhand winner. “Actually, when I had that down-the-line passing shot, I pointed to her and asked her whether it was okay,” he said. “She kind of said, ‘Yeah, it was fine’. If Serena says it was fine, then it was amazing by everyone else’s standards.”
From Nervousness to Inspiration: Djokovic on Serena’s Presence
Djokovic admitted that having Williams watch him play live made him a bit nervous. “To have Serena obviously courtside, I think it was probably the first time, maybe the first time or second time, that she watched me live. So obviously, I was a bit nervous,” Djokovic joked.
Del Potro’s Support
He also expressed his gratitude to Juan Martin del Potro for his support. “It was amazing to see first DelPo, obviously a long-time friend and a rival, so happy to have him around and get his support from the box,” Djokovic said. “It was amazing, it was [the] first time to have DelPo in the box, so I want to thank him really for coming.”
Djokovic’s Miami Open Journey
Djokovic’s path to the quarter-finals wasn’t without its challenges. He faced a tough opponent in Lorenzo Musetti, but he ultimately prevailed with a dominant performance.
Overcoming Early Hurdles
Musetti initially took a 2-0 lead in the first set, but Djokovic quickly found his rhythm and won 12 of the last 14 games to secure the victory. A complaint to the chair umpire about a serve-clock warning seemed to spark Djokovic, who broke Musetti’s serve and never looked back.
Next Up: Sebastian Korda
Djokovic will now face American Sebastian Korda in the quarter-finals. Korda defeated Gael Monfils to advance to the next round. Djokovic has only played Korda once before, in the Adelaide final in 2023, where he won in a thrilling three-setter.
Serena Williams: A Tennis Icon
Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. She holds numerous records and achievements, including:
- 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most of any player in the Open Era
- 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles
- 319 weeks ranked as the world No. 1
- 4 Olympic gold medals
A Pioneer in Women’s Tennis
Williams is credited with revolutionizing women’s tennis with her powerful style of play and athleticism. Her impact on the sport extends beyond her on-court achievements, as she has also become a cultural icon and role model for aspiring athletes around the world.
Serena’s Retirement
Williams announced her retirement from professional tennis in 2022, marking the end of an era for the sport. Her final match was at the US Open, where she lost to Ajla Tomljanovic.
Djokovic’s Pursuit of History
Djokovic is also chasing history as he continues his quest for his 100th ATP tour-level title. A win at the Miami Open would bring him closer to that milestone. He is also looking to secure a record seventh Miami Open title.
Masters 1000 Record
Djokovic recently broke another record at the Miami Open, surpassing Rafael Nadal for the most ATP Masters 1000 wins with 411. He continues to demonstrate his dominance on the court and his unwavering determination to achieve greatness.
Miami Open: A Star-Studded Event
The 2025 Miami Open has attracted a number of high-profile attendees, including Marc Anthony and Nadia Ferreira. The presence of these celebrities adds to the excitement and prestige of the tournament.
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