Djokovic gets off to a flier against Hijikata in Miami

Novak Djokovic began his Miami Open campaign in style on Saturday morning (AEDT), thrashing Australia’s Rinky Hijikata to make the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Florida.

The former world No.1 had been in danger of losing his fourth match in a row after a losing streak that extended back to his defeat in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January.

However, it was clear from the first set that Djokovic had resolved to turn his form around, with the Serbian keeping a clean slate in the opener to bagel Hijikata.

He would go on to win 6-0, 7-6(1) in what was one of his more dominant performances this year, hitting 19 winners, nine aces, 11 unforced errors, and saving two of two breakpoints.

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“I was playing really well, at a very high level from the beginning,” Djokovic said afterwards.

“I knew exactly what I wanted to do tactically.

“I played him in the first match of the season in Brisbane.

“So I think it was good to do some homework, look at those videos.

“I’m obviously excited to compete to keep on playing at the highest level when I play this way.

“Obviously it’s always a pleasure when you come back to an amazing city like Miami after six years of absence and I’ve had this many people in the first match, so I’m really, really grateful for their support.”

Having taken on Hijikata as a $1.10 favourite across tennis betting sites, Djokovic is now heavily favoured to defeat Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round.

The Argentine lucky loser pays a lengthy $8 to win at BetOnline, while Djokovic sits at a short $1.08 to make the round of 16.

Earlier in the tournament, the 24-time Grand Slam champion had mentioned that he feels his best tennis is just around the corner, despite his lack of results in 2025.

“I’m in a pursuit to find that desired level of tennis,” he said.

“I’ve been working hard, giving it my all on the practice court.

“Eventually it’s going to come, I know that, all through the year.

“I know I still have it in my legs, in my hands, in my arms.

“I still have that tennis level that can put me in the best position to win the biggest titles in sport.”

Tennis bookmakers put Djokovic on the second line of betting ($4.75) behind Carlos Alcaraz ($2.20) to win the title in Miami.

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