Another impressive victory in Miami has brought Novak just two steps away from his 100th career title!
The Serbian superstar advanced to the semifinals of the Miami Open with a straight-sets triumph over no. 24 seed Sebastian Korda (USA), winning 6-3, 7-6 (4). With this result, he becomes the oldest player to reach a Masters semifinal in ATP history.
“My serve was the highlight of today’s match. When I serve like this, it relieves a lot of pressure in my game. Korda was solid and aggressive—he made more mistakes in the first set, but in the second, he raised his level, made me run a lot, and barely missed a shot. I had to rely on my serve to get out of tough situations. I managed to create a break-back opportunity and capitalize on it. The tiebreak could have gone either way, but I stayed focused in the crucial moments. I expected a big challenge because he is an extremely talented player. It was a very tense match, but a great one for me,” Novak said after the match.
Both players were strong on serve early in the contest. Novak patiently waited for his opportunity and seized it in the eighth game with a flawless break. He then held serve to take the opening set after just 29 minutes of play.
Korda started the second set stronger, breaking Novak in the second game and racing to a 3-0 lead. The American looked in control at 5-2, but Novak responded with a brilliant comeback, leveling the score at 5-5 with confident serving and precise shot-making. As in his previous matches in Miami, Novak dominated the tiebreak, sealing victory and securing his 79th Masters semifinal appearance.
The match lasted one hour and 21 minutes.
Up next, No. 14 seed Grigor Dimitrov awaits in the Miami Open semifinals on Friday at 8 PM CET.
The Bulgarian reached the last four after overcoming Francisco Cerundolo in a tough three-set battle, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6.
This will be their 14th career meeting, with Novak holding a dominant 12-year winning streak against Dimitrov.
“I watched Grigor’s match yesterday—an incredible battle. He deserved the win and played fantastic tennis. He’s an experienced player and in great form. We’ve faced each other many times on all surfaces, and we know each other well. I have to be fully prepared for my toughest match yet,” Novak said of his upcoming challenge.
Photo: Profimedia
