Djokovic Finds Victory Again in Miami Against Hijikata

Lacking confidence since his withdrawal at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic returned to winning ways this Friday in his second-round match against Rinky Hijikata (6-0, 7-6) at the Miami Masters 1000.

For his return to Florida, where he had not played since 2019, Djokovic faced Hijikata, a player he had defeated earlier in the season in Brisbane.

Unsurprisingly, the Serb quickly took control at the start of the match, winning the first set without conceding a single game. The contest then became more balanced, with Hijikata having nothing left to lose on the center court in Miami.

The Australian managed to push the former world No. 1 into a tie-break, but it was Djokovic’s experience that ultimately ended his opponent’s hopes (7-1).

In the next round, the Serb will be the heavy favorite against Camilo Ugo Carabelli, who defeated Alex Michelsen in three sets.

With this victory, Djokovic ties Rafael Nadal’s record of 410 match wins in Masters 1000 events and will have the chance to surpass this milestone on Sunday.