Novak Djokovic equalled Rafael Nadal in the number of victories at the Masters 1000 level after the six-time champion won 6-0, 7-6(1) against Rinki Hijikata in a second-round match in Miami, snapping a three-match losing streak. The Serb, who holds the records for most titles (40), finals (59) and semifinals (78) at the second-highest level of tennis, is now tied with Nadal for the most wins (410) since the series began in 1990.
"From the start of the match, I was playing at a very high level. I knew what I needed tactically because I played him in my first match of the season in Brisbane. "I watched it again and did my homework," Djokovic said after the victory.
Djokovic, who has 99 ATP Tour titles, will try to break Andre Agassi's record for Miami titles this year, with the American still tied with him on six. In the next round, he will meet "lucky loser" Camilo Hugo Carabelli, who won against American Alex Mickelsen 6-7(3), 7-5, 6-3. For the Serb, this is his first match in Miami since 2019 and his 501st match at the Masters 1000 level. Tok entered the tournament on his first three-match losing streak since 2018, after withdrawing from the Australian Open due to injury and being defeated in Doha and Indian Wells.
The Serb looked transformed in his first match in Miami. He made 37 unforced errors in his defeat to Botik van den Zandschulp in Indian Wells, but gave Hijikata only three easy points in the 27-minute first set.
"I know that after Australia my statistics are not so good. I needed time to get in shape, in rhythm, but I am there now. In the last seven to ten days my training has been good and it is showing on the court. I am happy to be playing at the highest level again. I love the tournament in Miami and I am happy to be in this beautiful city for the first time in six years. I am also happy that so many people watched my first match. Thank you for your support," Djokovic added.
Hijikata responded with an excellent second set, but the Serb reacted appropriately to a winning break point. He won the next six points and is now 2-0 against the Australian in his career.
Earlier, Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Chun Hsin-Tung of Taiwan 6-4, 7-5, 6-3. In his next match, the Greek tennis player, seeded No. 9, will face the winner of the match between Americans Elliott Spitziri and Sebastian Korda. Gael Monfils defeated Jiri Lechecka 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(8) and will play Jaume Munar.