On March 28, 2025, Novak Djokovic advanced to the Miami Open final by defeating Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3, with soccer star Lionel Messi in attendance. Djokovic is seeking his seventh Miami Open title against 19-year-old Jakub Mensik, who entered the final after a thrilling tiebreak win over Taylor Fritz. Djokovic, aiming for his 100th professional title, expressed excitement about Messi’s presence, praising the athlete’s impact on sports. Despite a shaky start, Djokovic stabilized his performance, showcasing strong serving. Mensik, who idolizes Djokovic, is looking forward to their upcoming match, feeling more prepared than their previous encounter.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Novak Djokovic had some special guests in attendance for yet another Miami Open win.
With Lionel Messi watching from the stands, Djokovic advanced to the Miami Open final after defeating 14th seed Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium.
The fourth-seeded Djokovic aims to claim his seventh Miami Open title on Sunday, facing unseeded 19-year-old rising star Jakub Mensik. Mensik secured his place in the final by winning a gripping match against No. 3 seed Taylor Fritz, prevailing in a third-set tiebreaker, 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 7-6 (7-4).
At 37 years old, Djokovic, who has won six titles at the tournament’s former location in Key Biscayne, is also set on achieving his 100th professional title.
This year has seen Djokovic struggle with form, including an injury retirement at the Australian Open in January. Earlier this month, he faced an early exit at Indian Wells, losing to Botic Van De Zandschulp.
During his on-court interview, Djokovic acknowledged Messi’s presence, referring to him affectionately as “King Leo.”
Djokovic shared that Messi, accompanied by his wife and children, visited the locker room, where they “exchanged gifts.” Although Djokovic has previously watched Messi play live, this marks the first occasion the soccer icon has seen him perform.
“It’s truly a thrill to have his entire family here,” Djokovic remarked. “It’s a tremendous honor. He’s an exceptional athlete, not just a football player. His influence on the sports world over the past two decades has been significant.
“Having him watch me live brings immense joy and excitement but also a bit of pressure. It definitely feels different with his family present. I was genuinely touched by that.”
The match experienced a brief interruption during the third game when security removed a disruptive fan. The chair umpire left his seat and signaled for security while approaching the stands.
Dimitrov engaged with the fan earlier and went to the sideline to alert the umpire about the heckler.
“It’s just heckling, it’s fine,” Dimitrov commented. “I’m generally a calm person. I avoid conflicts, but don’t provoke me.”
Dimitrov had defeated Francisco Cerundolo in the quarterfinals but remained on the court for 25 minutes post-match due to dizziness. Medical personnel assisted him off the court, and he canceled his post-match press conference.
Dimitrov reported receiving a lot of water and ice but admitted: “I can’t quite remember what happened exactly. We push our bodies hard. It was one of those matches where you’d have to carry me off the court somehow.”
Djokovic faced a break from Dimitrov in the first game but quickly regained composure, taking the first set in just 32 minutes.
The men’s leader in Grand Slam titles with 24 served at 87%, missing only six first serves over the breezy encounter. He also registered just five unforced errors within the 70-minute match.
“Now I understand how it feels to be (John) Isner and (Reilly) Opelka,” Djokovic quipped, referring to the two serving giants. “Maybe my serve has been a bit underrated.”
The Serbian improved his career record against Dimitrov to 13-1. Dimitrov praised Djokovic with high regard.
“He carries confidence like a stain on your shirt,” Dimitrov stated. “It’s a beautiful sight. Only a select few athletes on Earth have that quality.”
Mensik, ranked 54th entering the Miami Open, is competing in his first ATP 1,000-point final.
He showcased remarkable composure against Fritz, especially at 4-4 in the deciding tiebreaker, winning the final three crucial points.
Mensik, who didn’t break serve throughout the match, executed a backhand winner down the line for a 5-4 lead. Fritz overhit a forehand long after a 20-shot rally and hit a forehand into the net on double match point, concluding the two-hour and 25-minute night match.
Prior to the match, Mensik exchanged greetings with Messi.
“I didn’t wash my hands before taking the court,” Mensik joked.
Mensik credits Djokovic as the reason he took up tennis. He faced Djokovic at the Shanghai Masters last October, where he lost in a three-set match. Djokovic will be 18 years his senior.
“It feels incredible, unbelievable (to play against him),” Mensik expressed. “It was a dream to compete against him in Shanghai. I am a better player now than I was then.”