Novak Djokovic showcased his remarkable prowess on the tennis court during the quarter-finals of the 2025 Miami Open, defeating the young American player Sebastian Korda in a fiercely contested match. The 37-year-old Serbian star emerged victorious with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6(4), marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career as he became the oldest player in history to reach an ATP Masters 1000 semi-final. This achievement not only underscores Djokovic’s incredible longevity in the sport but also emphasizes his capacity to maintain a high level of performance against younger competitors.
During the match, Djokovic’s service game proved to be a critical factor in his success. He exhibited remarkable accuracy and consistency, managing to hit an impressive 83% of his first serves. Following his victory, Djokovic expressed his satisfaction with this aspect of his game, attributing his ability to navigate through challenging moments to his effective serving. “As good as one can feel about his serve,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of his serve throughout the tournament. “Unbelievable serving the whole tournament; I’ve been serving really well,” he added, indicating a sense of confidence that has characterized his performance leading up to the semi-finals.
Djokovic’s assessment of the match unveiled that the second set was particularly arduous. He acknowledged the relentless pressure exerted by Korda, who had significantly improved his play from the baseline compared to the first set. “Sebastian in the second set was just making me run and he was playing really well from the back of the court, maybe not making as many errors like in the first set,” Djokovic noted. This remark emphasized Korda’s tenacity and the adjustments he made to challenge the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
The intricacies of the match became evident when Djokovic found himself in trouble, facing a 0-30 deficit at 3-0 in the second set. Yet, through a combination of strategic serving and mental fortitude, he managed to regain composure, stating, “It took some serves to get out of trouble. I was 3-0, 0-30 down, had some good serves, and put myself in a position to [break back], which I did.” This determination not only allowed Djokovic to stay competitive but also set the stage for a nail-biting tie-break to conclude the match.
In the tie-break, Djokovic’s service game once again shined, as he sealed the match with impressive serving under pressure. He recalled moments from the tie-break where crucial serves turned the tide in his favor: “5-4, serve winner. 6-4, ace to finish the match. I’ll take that as a highlight from the match today.” His ability to thrive in high-pressure situations continues to be a defining characteristic of his career, showcasing not only skill but also resilience.
In the first set, the players were evenly matched until Djokovic seized a crucial break in the eighth game, which dictated the flow of the opening frame. Conversely, Korda, aged 24, mounted a more competitive challenge in the second set by breaking Djokovic early and establishing a lead. However, the match illustrated Djokovic’s mental toughness, as he quickly regained his footing and ultimately triumphed in a tight contest that showcased the evolving rivalry between the veterans and emerging talents in the sport.
Looking ahead, Djokovic’s next challenge will come against the Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-finals. Fans and experts alike eagerly anticipate this encounter as Djokovic seeks to advance to the final and potentially add another title to his remarkable resume. For those looking to catch the action, the 2025 French Open can be watched live on TNT Sports and discovery+, promising yet another thrilling chapter in Djokovic’s storied career.