Novak Djokovic at the Miami Open

The Novak Djokovic of old has returned at the Miami Open and now he is just three wins away from a historic 100th career title.

Djokovic’s stunning 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in front of an onlooking Serena Williams in Miami confirmed the Serbian legend still has so much to offer as he approaches his 38th birthday, with his levels of brilliance far too much for his 23-year-old rival.

Musetti beat Djokovic at the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters, but he never got close to the 24-time Grand Slam champion in their latest contest, with the body language of the most successful player in the history of men’s tennis saying so much about his confidence levels right now.

Musetti raised his arms in celebration as he won his first game in the second set of this match, with the dominance and aura exuded by his legendary rival far too much to contend with for this talented young player.

The smile on Djokovic’s face as he retrieved a lob and eventually won the point at a moment when he was already eyeing up the finishing line was a snapshot of how Djokovic is feeling heading into the Miami Open quarter-final against Sebastian Korda.

This was vintage Djokovic, with the positive arrogance back in abundance as he set his sights on what must be one of his final two big goals in tennis.

Djokovic moved past his great rival Rafael Nadal for the most wins in ATP Masters 1000 tournaments earlier in this event and if he can win a seventh title in Miami, his 100th tour win will be a magical milestone to reach.

Then he could set his sights on a 25th Grand Slam title, which would edge him ahead of Margaret Court in the battle to win the most major titles in tennis.

“I think my level is really good, I’m very happy,” Djokovic told Sky Sports Tennis.

“This was the best match of the tournament for me so far and what I like is to see me as I progress through the tournament raising the level of tennis and that’s what happening.

“He played a couple of really good games at the start of the match, but I broke his serve and never looked back. I won nine games in a row. Phenomenal.”

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Djokovic also spoke about the influence his former rival and now coach Andy Murray is having on his game, as he suggested they are still understanding how to work together.

“We don’t know each other that well as people,” said Djokovic. “We have known each other a long time since our junior days, but when you are rivals, you don’t interact as much.

“Today, as we waited for the matches to start after the rain delay, we had a chance to sit down together and we had a very interesting talk.

“I always had tremendous respect for Andy as a player and now as a person. He is such a nice guy and I’m really grateful that he cares about me doing well on the court.

“It is still kind of surreal that one of my great rivals is my coach. Fist pumping and jumping around my box. Sometimes I pinch myself and ask if this is real.

“We are trying to get the best out of this as a player and coach and we are also trying to spend time together. We’ve had a great time together playing golf and having dinner. It has been fun.”

Djokovic also appeared to be inspired by the presence of tennis legend Williams sitting courtside as he added: “It was an honour to have Serena courtside. It may be only the first or second time she has watched me live so maybe I was a bit nervous.

“I also had (Juan Martin) Del Potro in the box, so I had to perform in front of them. I think I did well.”

Djokovic is now set to play his 96th ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final match against Korda, with a magical 100th career title now very much in his sights.

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