Novak Djokovic is aiming to strengthen his claim as the greatest tennis player of all time after receiving playful advice from the son of football legend Lionel Messi.
The 37-year-old Serbian tennis star is set to compete for his 100th ATP Tour title in the Miami Open final against Czech teenager Jakub Mensík, who is unseeded and relatively new to this level of competition.
Credit: Instagram / djokernole
Credit: Rex
In the Open Era of tennis, only Roger Federer with 103 titles and Jimmy Connors with 109 titles have achieved 100 or more tournament wins in men`s singles.
Lionel Messi, often hailed as the greatest football player of all time, watched Djokovic`s dominant semi-final victory against Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, where Djokovic won 6-2, 6-3.
Messi, the Argentinian World Cup-winning captain, also 37, met Djokovic backstage alongside retired tennis player Juan Martin del Potro. They exchanged signed shirts and posed for photographs.
One of Messi`s sons playfully told Djokovic that he needs to improve his game if he wants to surpass Federer as the oldest Masters champion in history.
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Djokovic, who had a favorable path to the final in Florida, expressed his excitement: “It was the first time I’ve played in front of him.
“I’ve watched him play a few times, including the 2022 World Cup final when Argentina won. I believe I watched him last year as well.
“It’s a great honor to have his entire family here. I met him after the match in the locker room. We talked for a bit and exchanged gifts.
“He is an exceptional athlete, beyond just being a football player.”
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“His impact on the world of sport over the last two decades is immense.
“Having him watch me play live is a great source of joy and excitement, though it also adds a bit of pressure.
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“One of his sons rated my performance an eight out of ten, which I consider quite good. But with a serious expression, he advised me to aim for a ten out of ten in the next match.
“So, I`m feeling a little pressure from Messi’s son!
“It was a very touching experience for me, not just that he came to watch, but that he brought his entire family, his children and wife.
“As a young father myself, I understand the significance of bringing the whole family. I was very moved by their visit and his willingness to spend time with me.”
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is pursuing his first title since winning Olympic gold in Paris last year. This Miami Open victory would mark his first major achievement with Andy Murray assisting him in his coaching team.
Djokovic mentioned, “Ever since I secured my 99th title, which was at the Olympic Games in Paris, the idea of reaching a hundredth title has been on my mind.
“I reached the final in Shanghai and the semi-finals at the Australian Open, getting close but not quite there.
“I`ve been working to achieve the necessary level of tennis to compete for a significant trophy, and I’ve been pleased with my preparation and performance this week. I haven`t dropped a set yet.
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“It’s a fantastic opportunity. We’ll see what happens.”
