Novak Djokovic reveals Lionel Messi’s son set him a lavish target after they exchange gifts
Novak Djokovic saluted the presence of another iconic sportsman as Lionel Messi watched his latest masterclass at the Miami Open.
Djokovic needed just 69 minutes to secure a one-sided 6-2 6-3 win against his Grigor Dimitrov, as he powered into the Miami Open final on Sunday.
A win in that match will hand the legendary Serbian a 100th career title and tick off another remarkable record in a career that is refusing to come to an end.
While Djokovic’s brilliance on court was mesmerising, a lot of the attention off the court was focused on Argentinian soccer great Messi, who watched Djokovic in action from the stands.
Inter Miami star Messi posed for a photo with Djokovic and Argentine tennis great Juan Martin del Potro after the match, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion honoured to play in front of another sporting giant.
“It’s a great honour to have King Leo in the stands. I think it’s the first time I’ve played in front of Messi, and honestly, I was a little nervous,” said Djokovic.
“I am very grateful for his attendance with his family. I have always been a fan of him, as most of the world has, throughout his career.”
“He was also asked about Messi in his press conference as he added: “I’ve watched him play a few times. I think finals of World Cup, I watched when he won with Argentina. I think I watched him last year once. I think it was with L.A. with Inter Miami.
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“To have him watch me live obviously brings me great, great joy and excitement, and also a bit of pressure, to be honest.
“I was rated by one of his sons today as 8 out of 10, which is pretty good. He with a serious face told me I have too make 10 out of 10 next match.
“So I have quite a bit of pressure from Messi’s son there. Yeah, we joked around. It was nice to meet with his whole family. It was a very touching moment for me because it’s one thing that he comes, but then bringing his whole family, his kids, his wife.
“As a young father myself, I know what that means. It’s different when you bring the whole family. I was very touched by that and his willingness to spend some time after. I value that time with him.
“It’s a wonderful moment for me and for this tournament and tennis in general for him to be here.”
Djokovic’s latest flawless performance was too much for an overwhelmed Dimitrov and now he is just one match away from a magical century of titles.
The 37-year-old has done his best to play down the significance of some of the records he has broken in recent months, but the 100th title win does appear to mean a little more.
“Ever since I won my 99th, which was the Olympic Games in Paris, I’ve been playing with the prospect of winning the special hundred titles,” he added.
“I played finals of Shanghai. I was close there. Semi-finals of Australia. Then been trying to find that necessary and much-needed level of tennis that will put me in a position to fight for a trophy, a big trophy.
“That’s what I’ve been doing this week, to be honest. I’ve been very happy with the way I prepared for the tournament, the way I’ve been playing. I haven’t dropped a set. It’s a great opportunity. Let’s see what happens in two days.”
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