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Djokovic Advances to Miami Semi-Finals After Strong Performance
Novak Djokovic has made a highly anticipated return to the Miami Open semi-finals, marking his first appearance at this stage since 2016. With several top seeds, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, and Daniil Medvedev, eliminated from the tournament, the path appears favorable for the Serbian star to secure yet another Miami title.
In his quarter-final match on Thursday, Djokovic demonstrated his prowess by taking the opening set efficiently, capitalizing on a break of serve during the eighth game. However, the journey was not without challenges. In the second set, Djokovic faced a tough battle, finding himself down 5-2 before showcasing his exceptional serving skills. His resilience paid off as he fought back to reach a tie-break and ultimately seal the victory.
“This was my best serving performance in the tournament so far,” Djokovic remarked after the match. “I felt quite nervous throughout the encounter, as Korda is a player who possesses great aggression and talent. I found myself on the defensive, often waiting for his mistakes instead of taking charge from the baseline. Nonetheless, when it counted, my first serve came through, making for a tense yet rewarding match.”
In earlier match-ups on the same day, unseeded player Jakub Mensik surprised spectators by defeating the 17th seed Arthur Fils with a score of 7-6 (7-5), 6-1, thus securing his place in the semi-finals. Mensik’s next opponent will be determined from the clash between 29th seed Matteo Berrettini of Italy and American player Taylor Fritz.
Source
www.bbc.com