Novak Djokovic is striving to solidify his status as the greatest tennis player of all time. Following his semi-final victory at the Miami Open against Grigor Dimitrov, he received some playful encouragement from the son of football icon Lionel Messi.
The 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend is set to compete for his 100th ATP Tour title in the Miami Open final, where he will face the unseeded Czech teenager Jakub Mensik.
Only Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) have achieved 100 or more tournament wins in the Open Era of men`s tennis.
Lionel Messi, often hailed as the greatest football player of all time, watched Djokovic`s dominant 6-2, 6-3 semi-final win against Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.
Messi, the 37-year-old World Cup-winning captain for Argentina, met Djokovic backstage alongside retired tennis star Juan Martin del Potro. They exchanged shirts and posed for photographs.
One of Messi’s sons playfully suggested to Djokovic that he needs to elevate his performance if he wants to surpass Federer as the oldest Masters champion in history.
Djokovic, who benefited from a favorable draw in Florida, enthusiastically shared, “It was the first time I’ve played in front of him.”
“I’ve watched him play several times, including the 2022 World Cup final when he won with Argentina. I believe I watched him last year as well.”
“I am truly honored to have his entire family here. I met him after the match; he visited the locker room. We spent some time chatting and exchanged gifts.”
“It’s a great privilege. He’s an exceptional athlete, far beyond just being a football player.”
“One of his sons rated my performance an eight out of ten, which is quite generous. With a serious expression, he advised me that I need to achieve a ten out of ten for the upcoming final match.”
“So, I’m feeling a bit of pressure from Messi’s son now!”
“It was a deeply touching moment for me, not just because he came, but because he brought his entire family – his children and wife.”
“As a young father myself, I understand the significance of that. Bringing the whole family is something special.”
“I was very moved by his gesture and his willingness to spend time with us.”
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is seeking his first title since winning Olympic singles gold in Paris last year. This Miami Open could mark his first significant victory with Andy Murray in his coaching team.
The Belgrade native commented, “Ever since I secured my 99th title, which was at the Olympic Games in Paris, the prospect of winning my 100th title has been on my mind.”
“I competed in the final in Shanghai and reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open. I`ve been close.”
“I’ve been working to find the necessary high level of tennis that will enable me to contend for a trophy, a major trophy.”
“That’s been my focus this week. I am very pleased with my preparation for this tournament and my performance so far. I have not dropped a set.”
“It’s a fantastic opportunity. We`ll see what unfolds.”
