In the pulsating heart of the 2025 Miami Open, Novak Djokovic has roared back into the spotlight, delivering a performance that reverberated through the Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, March 21. The Serbian maestro, ranked No. 5 in the world, kicked off his campaign with a near-flawless 6-2, 6-2 dismantling of Australian Rinky Hijikata, ranked 77th, in a second-round clash that lasted a mere 66 minutes. For a player who’d endured a rocky start to the season, this victory wasn’t just a win—it was a statement, a thunderous declaration of intent under the Florida sun. “A perfect start,” Djokovic called it, his words carrying the weight of a champion rediscovering his rhythm.
The match was a masterclass in precision and power. Facing a 23-year-old Hijikata fresh off a gritty three-set win over Botic van de Zandschulp, Djokovic wasted no time asserting dominance. He broke the Australian’s serve early in the first set, unleashing a barrage of winners—24 to Hijikata’s nine—and sealing the set 6-2 with a clinical display of baseline brilliance. The second set followed suit, with Djokovic’s relentless pressure and impeccable movement leaving his opponent grasping for answers. “I’ve had plenty of time since I lost in Indian Wells,” he reflected post-match, his tone measured yet buoyant. “It’s been two weeks, so I had plenty of time to work on my game. I think we’ve done a really good job.” That preparation shone through as he dropped just four games, a stark contrast to his recent struggles.
This triumph marked the end of a three-match losing streak that had shadowed Djokovic since his Australian Open semi-final run in January. After a shock third-round exit to Luca Nardi at Indian Wells—his earliest Masters 1000 defeat in over a decade—he’d taken a rare break from the tour, skipping events to regroup. “It encourages me that I can play at this kind of level,” he said, a spark of optimism flickering in his voice. “But it’s a long road ahead.” Miami, where he’s a six-time champion, has long been a fortress for him, and this opener hinted at a resurgence on a court where he boasts a 32-7 record. His 20th win at the tournament ties him with legends, but at 37, Djokovic’s hunger remains insatiable.
The backdrop to this victory adds layers of intrigue. Djokovic credited a surprising source for his Miami mojo: Andy Murray, his old rival turned temporary confidant. With coach Goran Ivanisevic absent due to personal commitments, Murray—retired but still a tennis sage—stepped in to offer advice during practice. “Andy’s input was invaluable,” Djokovic admitted, a nod to the Scot’s tactical nous that helped sharpen his game. The result? A performance he described as one where he felt “joy on the court,” a sentiment that’s fueled his resolve to keep battling the young guns. “As long as I have that feeling of being able to compete with the guys at the highest level, I’ll keep going,” he vowed, his competitive fire undimmed.
Hijikata, for his part, fought valiantly but found no cracks in Djokovic’s armor. The Australian, who’d never faced the Serb before, managed only one break point—squandered—and couldn’t match the intensity of a man who’s won 24 Grand Slams. “He’s just too good right now,” Hijikata might’ve muttered, echoing the frustration of many who’ve faced Djokovic in his prime. Yet, for Djokovic, this was just the beginning. Next up, he’ll face either Dominik Koepfer or Sebastian Baez in the third round on Sunday, a match that could test his newfound form against hungrier opposition.
Miami feels like a turning point. After a season of stumbles—losses to Jannik Sinner in Melbourne, Alex de Minaur in the United Cup, and that Indian Wells upset—Djokovic’s doubters had begun to circle. At 37, with a body that’s weathered countless battles (including a knee tweak earlier this year), some wondered if his reign was waning. But Friday’s display silenced those whispers, at least for now. “The way I felt on the court and the way I played was really encouraging,” he said, his confidence surging as he eyes a record-extending seventh Miami title.
The broader stakes loom large. With Sinner sidelined until May due to a doping ban, the top of the men’s rankings is in flux, and Djokovic, a former world No. 1, senses an opening. A deep run here could propel him back into contention, especially with rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev also in the hunt. For fans, it’s a tantalizing prospect: the old lion roaring back to life on a stage he’s owned before. As the Miami Open unfolds, Djokovic’s “perfect start” isn’t just a win—it’s a promise of more fireworks to come, a reminder that legends don’t fade quietly.
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