Shocking: Novak Djokovic Destroys Opponent, Matches Nadal’s Record – One Step Away from Tennis Immortality?

Djokovic’s Historic Night in Miami Novak Djokovic once again proved why he is one of the greatest players in tennis history. On Friday night, he secured a straight-sets victory over Rinky Hijikata at the Miami Open, tying Rafael Nadal’s all-time record for the most ATP Masters 1000 wins. The Serbian superstar dominated the match, winning 6-0, 7-6 (7-1) in just 80 minutes, booking his place in the third round of the tournament.

The victory marked Djokovic’s 410th ATP Masters 1000 win, matching Nadal’s legendary tally and reaffirming his dominance in the sport. It was also a significant moment for the world No. 1, as he had not played in Miami since 2019 and was on a three-match losing streak before arriving at the tournament.

Djokovic’s Statement Performance in the First Set

From the opening serve, Djokovic displayed his champion mentality. It took him less than 30 minutes to bagel Hijikata in the first set, not allowing his opponent to win a single game. Djokovic’s precision, speed, and control were unmatched as he breezed through without facing a single break point. The Australian underdog found himself overwhelmed, unable to counter the relentless assault from the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

Though Djokovic needed three attempts to convert his set point, he left no doubt about his superiority, closing the set in emphatic fashion. This set was a reminder of Djokovic’s ability to dictate play, outmaneuver his opponent, and maintain focus under pressure.

Hijikata Fights Back, But Djokovic Remains Unshaken

The second set was a different story, as Hijikata refused to go down without a fight. The 22-year-old Australian began serving with confidence, winning his first two service games to love and even pushing Djokovic to defend two break points. However, the Serbian icon held firm, showcasing his trademark mental toughness. Hijikata displayed impressive resilience, hitting aggressive shots and forcing Djokovic to move more than in the first set.

With both players unable to find an edge, the set was ultimately decided by a tiebreak.  Hijikata put up a valiant fight, even producing an incredible defensive scramble to stay in the contest. However, Djokovic was relentless, winning the final six points in a row to seal the straight-sets victory. His ability to shift gears and dominate crucial moments was on full display.

Aiming for His 100th ATP Tour-Level Title

Djokovic’s next challenge will be lucky loser Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round. The Serbian legend is not just chasing another Masters 1000 title—he is aiming for his 100th ATP tour-level championship. If he triumphs in Miami, he will surpass Andre Agassi and hold the record for the most Miami Open titles in history. This milestone would further cement his legacy as one of the sports’ all-time greats.

With 40 ATP Masters 1000 titles, 59 final appearances, and 78 semi-finals at this level, Djokovic continues to rewrite the record books. His ability to stay at the top despite intense competition and age-related challenges makes his achievements all the more remarkable. A win in Miami would make him the first player to reach triple digits in ATP tour-level titles, a feat that only a select few have achieved in tennis history.

Djokovic Overcomes Three-Match Losing Streak This victory was particularly significant as it ended Djokovic’s first three-match losing streak since 2018. Before arriving in Miami, he had suffered setbacks at:

• The Australian Open (retiring due to injury)

• The Doha Open

• Indian Wells

These losses had sparked debates about whether Djokovic was experiencing a decline, but his dominant performance in Miami quickly shut down those discussions. His return to winning ways reaffirmed his legendary resilience and ability to bounce back stronger after setbacks. His adaptability and tactical intelligence continue to make him a formidable force on the ATP Tour.

Djokovic’s Unmatched Legacy in Masters 1000 Tournaments

Djokovic’s 501st ATP Masters 1000 appearance is a testament to his longevity and dominance. No other player in history has played more matches at this level. While Nadal and Federer have had their fair share of records, Djokovic continues to set new benchmarks, further solidifying his claim as the greatest player of all time.

Over the years, he has adapted his game to counter younger players, refining his serve, baseline play, and mental strength. His ability to maintain peak performance across different surfaces—hard court, clay, and grass—separates him from many of his peers. The Miami Open could serve as another reminder of Djokovic’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

Can Djokovic Make History Again?

As Djokovic gears up for his next match, all eyes are on whether he can claim the elusive 100th title and move ahead of Agassi in Miami Open history. With his elite fitness, mental resilience, and technical mastery, there’s no doubt that he remains the player to beat.

If he wins in Miami, it could set the stage for an incredible clay-court season, where he will aim to surpass Nadal’s records on red dirt. Roland Garros 2025 will be a key battleground where Djokovic hopes to extend his dominance in the Grand Slam race. With each tournament, he proves that his hunger for success remains undiminished. Whether he wins in Miami or not, Novak Djokovic’s legacy is already cemented in tennis history.