Djokovic becomes oldest ATP Masters 1000 semi-finalist

Miami

Novak Djokovic made history on Thursday by becoming the oldest ATP Masters 1000 semi-finalist after defeating Sebastian Korda 6-3, 7-6(4) in a quarterfinal clash that was delayed from Wednesday. At 37 years and 10 months, Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer, who was 37 years and seven months old when he reached the semifinals at Indian Wells and Miami in 2019.

With the victory, Djokovic earned his eighth Miami semifinal and a record-extending 79th Masters 1000 semifinal appearance. He will next face 14th seed Grigor Dimitrov, leading their ATP Head-to-Head 12-1. Djokovic is targeting his seventh title in Miami and a 100th career tour-level trophy, aiming to break a tie with Andre Agassi for the most titles in ATP Masters 1000 events.

The Serbian star was near-perfect on serve in the opening set, losing just one point behind his first delivery. He dominated the final stages, winning the last 12 points to close the set. In the second set, Korda raced to a 3-0 lead and later served for it at 5-3. However, Djokovic raised his level, forcing errors from the American and eventually won in a tiebreak.

In another quarterfinal, Taylor Fritz triumphed over Matteo Berrettini 7-5, 6-7(7), 7-5 after saving six match points in the dramatic second set. Fritz, now into his sixth Masters 1000 semifinal and first in Miami, will face Czech Jakub Mensik, who is making his debut in the Masters 1000 semifinals.