Novak Djokovic stands two victories away from a historic 100th career title after defeating Sebastian Korda 6-3, 7-6(4) at the Miami Open on March 27, 2025. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also shone, cruising past Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2 to reach her first Miami Open final.
Djokovic, 37, unleashed a roar after clinching the match with an ace. His coach, Andy Murray, leapt from his seat in celebration. Trailing 5-2 in the second set, the Serbian fought back, breaking Korda at 5-3. “My serve saved me today,” Djokovic told Tennis Channel. “That ace at 6-4 in the tiebreak sealed it.” His win made him the oldest ATP Masters 1000 semifinalist ever, surpassing Roger Federer’s record from 2019. Next, he faces Grigor Dimitrov on Friday, chasing a seventh Miami Open crown.
Novak Djokovic will play for his 100th title in the Miami Open final 💯#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/wX9IWV6V6k
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) March 28, 2025
Meanwhile, Jakub Mensik outplayed Arthur Fils 7-6(5), 6-1, setting up a semifinal clash with Taylor Fritz. Fritz battled past Matteo Berrettini 7-5, 6-7(7), 7-5, overcoming six missed match points. “I could’ve lost it all, but I regrouped and won,” Fritz said.
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Sabalenka’s Dominant Run
Top seed Sabalenka dominated Paolini in 71 minutes, winning 77% of her first-serve points and firing six aces. The Belarusian, unbeaten in sets across five matches, now meets Jessica Pegula in the final. “Aryna handles pressure better than most,” Pegula said. “It’ll be a tough fight.”
No stopping Sabalenka.@SabalenkaA def. Paolini 6-2, 6-2 to reach the finals 💎 pic.twitter.com/yHIpmd8pCq
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 27, 2025
Pegula reached her sixth WTA 1000 final by halting Alexandra Eala’s stunning run, 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3. Down 2-5 in the first set, Pegula rallied, though Eala levelled the match despite an ankle twist. The 31-year-old American clinched the decider past midnight, writing “I’m tired” on a camera lens. Eala, 19, earned a standing ovation after toppling three Grand Slam champs in earlier rounds.