Flawless Djokovic ends skid with Miami masterclass

Novak Djokovic got his Miami Open campaign off to a perfect start on Saturday morning (AEDT), dismantling Australia’s Rinky Hijikata to cruise into the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 event.

After three consecutive defeats stretching back to his Australian Open semi-final exit, the pressure was on Djokovic to halt the skid. But any concerns about his form were quickly put to rest, with the Serbian veteran producing a flawless opening set to bagel Hijikata.

Djokovic went on to close out a 6-0, 7-6(1) victory in one of his most clinical performances of the year, finishing with 19 winners, nine aces, 11 unforced errors, and saving both breakpoints he faced.

“I was playing really well, at a very high level from the beginning,” Djokovic said post-match.

“I knew exactly what I wanted to do tactically. I played him in the first match of the season in Brisbane. So I think it was good to do some homework, look at those videos. I’m obviously excited to compete to keep on playing at the highest level when I play this way.

“Obviously it’s always a pleasure when you come back to an amazing city like Miami after six years of absence and I’ve had this many people in the first match, so I’m really, really grateful for their support.”

Djokovic entered the match as a heavy -909 favorite across tennis betting sites, and is once again the short-priced pick to win his third-round clash with Camilo Ugo Carabelli.

The Argentine lucky loser is paying +700 with the top sportsbooks to pull off an upset, while Djokovic is a $1.08 chance to progress to the round of 16.

Despite a slow start to 2025, the 24-time Grand Slam winner remains confident that his best tennis is on the horizon.

“I’m in a pursuit to find that desired level of tennis,” he said earlier in the tournament.

“I’ve been working hard, giving it my all on the practice court. Eventually it’s going to come, I know that, all through the year. I know I still have it in my legs, in my hands, in my arms. I still have that tennis level that can put me in the best position to win the biggest titles in sport.”

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