After his premature elimination at the Indian Wells Masters 1000 – aggravated by the poor performance against Botic van de Zandschulp – some thought that Novak Djokovic would skip the Miami Open to recharge his batteries in view of the tournaments on the red clay.
The Serbian legend had a great feeling for the Masters 1000 in Florida during his glorious career, having lifted the trophy six times at the historic venue of Key Biscayne.
However, the former world No.1 often missed this tournament in the latter part of his career to preserve his body and start practicing early on red clay.
Nole is back in Miami
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will return to play the second Masters 1000 of the season after a six-year absence, considering that his last participation was in the 2019 edition.
Nole had been defeated by Benoit Paire in 2018 – one of the worst years of his entire career – in the last edition at Crandon Park, before the tournament moved to Hard Rock Stadium.
The 37-year-old from Belgrade had been among the protagonists of the first edition of the tournament in the new venue, but his run had ended against Roberto Bautista Agut in the round of 16.
Since then, Novak has not played in Florida both because of his decision not to get vaccinated against the Coronavirus and because of his reduced schedule.
The situation is very different this year. Djokovic is aware that he has to play more if he wants to be in top form in Grand Slam tournaments and his shocking second-round defeat in California requires him to find a solution as soon as possible.
The Serbian arrived in Miami on Saturday with his coach Andy Murray and immediately began practicing with maximum intensity. The former world No.1 will make his debut on Friday or Saturday.
Through a video posted on social media, fans were able to see that Nole also attended a party where several VIPs such as Eva Longoria, Jessica Alba, Marc Anthony and Becky G were present.
Novak Djokovic at a party with Eva Longoria, Jessica Alba, Marc Anthony, and Becky G in Miami.
A little relaxation ahead of the Miami Open.
🏝️🌊
pic.twitter.com/kc8rWYRFEi
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 16, 2025
