Djokovic dominates Musetti to secure spot in Miami Open quarters

Photo : Reuters

Novak Djokovic put on a dominant display to power past Lorenzo Musetti 6-2, 6-2 and book his place in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open. It was the Serbian’s most commanding performance since his Australian Open campaign, as he won 12 of the last 14 games to sweep aside his Italian opponent in a match that had been interrupted by rain.

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The contest took a pivotal turn in the opening set when Djokovic expressed frustration over a serve clock warning issued by the chair umpire. Rather than letting it affect his game negatively, the incident seemed to ignite a spark in the six-time Miami Open champion. Just moments later, he secured a crucial break for a 4-2 lead, and from that point on, he was in complete control.

Under the lights and in front of a star-studded crowd that included tennis legends Serena Williams and Juan Martin del Potro, Djokovic delivered a near-flawless performance. He dictated play with precise shot-making and relentless pressure, leaving Musetti struggling to find any rhythm. The highlight of the second set came when Djokovic unleashed a stunning backhand winner down the line to break for a 5-2 lead. Moments later, the match was over as Musetti double-faulted on match point, sealing Djokovic’s emphatic victory.

Next up for the 24-time Grand Slam champion is a quarterfinal clash against American Sebastian Korda. Earlier in the day, Korda battled past veteran Frenchman Gaël Monfils in a tight three-setter, winning 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. The 23-year-old will be eager to test himself against Djokovic once again, having come agonizingly close to beating him in their only previous meeting—the 2023 Adelaide final, where Djokovic edged a thrilling contest.

Elsewhere in Miami, Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo caused a major upset by dispatching world No. 5 Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-2. The three-time Grand Slam finalist never managed to find his best form as Cerúndolo dominated the match with six aces and 21 winners. The Argentine, who has now reached the Miami quarterfinals for the third time in four years, will next face Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov, who overcame American Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 7-5.

On the women’s side, Italy’s Jasmine Paolini continued her impressive run by advancing to the semifinals with a hard-fought win over Magda Linette. The sixth seed fended off seven of the eight break points she faced, showing great resilience to secure victory. Paolini now awaits the winner of the highly anticipated quarterfinal between world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and China’s Qinwen Zheng, scheduled to be played later in the day.