On Friday afternoon, in breezy conditions, Novak Djokovic defeated Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, to reach his eighth Miami Open final.

The 37-year-old Serbian is playing in Miami for the first time since 2019 and reached his first final at the event since winning the 2016 title.

Djokovic, now ranked world No. 5, has won 24 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, the most in history.

If Djokovic wins the Miami Open title on Sunday, he will make even more history. That victory would be his 100th career ATP singles title.

Credit: IMAGN IMAGES 

After his win over Dimitrov, in an interview with Tennis TV, Djokovic said: “As far as my game goes, the serve was definitely the highlight of the match. I think I was 83 % last match and I thought probably will be difficult to beat that but today 87 %.

“So, I don’t know what to say. I’ve been serving very well and hopefully I can continue in the same fashion because that definitely makes my life easier on the court.”

As far as his quest for 100 titles, Djokovic said: “After Olympics, which was 99 titles, I knew that every tournament I’m playing I’m going for a 100.

“I wasn’t able to achieve that until hopefully Sunday I’m gonna go all in.

“I haven’t dropped a set. I’m playing really good tennis, as good as I’ve played in a long time so hopefully it can come here.”

In the final on Sunday, Djokovic will face 19-year-old Jakub Mensik. The Czech teenager made it through to his debut ATP Masters 1000 final with a three-set victory over American No. 1 Taylor Fritz 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(4).