Miami final could mark Djokovic's 100th career title: "I've been playing with the prospect of winning the special hundred titles"

Novak Djokovic will not only play in the Miami Open final this Sunday but will also be chasing his 100th ATP title, a milestone only Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) have achieved.

Nole has shown a high level of play at the Miami Masters 1000, reminiscent of his prime years. However, in recent seasons, Masters 1000 tournaments have been elusive for him—the last one he won was the Paris Masters in 2023.

But the Serbian is not only looking to break his drought; he also wants to claim the 100th title of his career, which includes a record-breaking 40 Masters 1000 titles so far. "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," the world No. 5 said.

"I played finals of Shanghai. I was close there. Semifinals 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."

Djokovic also added that this week is the result of the goal he set for himself—to win another tournament. "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."

Djokovic had gone several months without playing in a final, something unusual by his standards. His last final was at the Shanghai Masters 1000 in 2024, where he lost to Jannik Sinner. The last title he won was the Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024, defeating Carlos Alcaraz.

Nole will face the tournament’s biggest surprise, Jakub Menšík, in the Miami final. The 19-year-old Czech defeated Taylor Fritz 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 to reach his first Masters 1000 final. Menšík has nothing to lose as he faces the most successful player of all time. One of his biggest strengths is tiebreaks, having won 54 and lost just 13 in his career.