Novak Djokovic continues his hunt for a seventh Miami Open title. The Serb now holds the record for most wins in the Masters 1000 events and is the oldest player to reach the Miami Open semifinal. Poised to make his way further to record other elusive feats, Nole will have to tweak his game if he hopes to secure a berth in the title clash of a tour-level event for the first time this season. The former World No. 1 will need to surpass the formidable test by an in-form Grigor Dimitrov on Saturday, March 29. The likely outcome? Let’s dive into the details.

Djokovic vs Dimitrov: Preview

Djokovic arrives for the semifinal contest on the back of a hard-fought straight-set victory over Sebastian Korda. Nole dominated the American player in the opening set, and although he faced immense resistance in the second, the veteran ultimately prevailed, capping the win with a tiebreaker finish.

Before this match, the Serb maestro downed the likes of Rinky Hijikata, Camilo Ugo Carabelli, and Lorenzo Musetti in the previous rounds. He has yet to drop a set in Miami.

Dimitrov, on the other hand, survived a scare in the last eight after outclassing Francisco Cerundolo in a riveting three-set showdown. The Bulgarian overturned a one-set deficit to record a comeback victory against the No. 23 seed, 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3). He commenced his Miami Open run with a commanding victory over Federico Cina and followed that with wins over Karen Khachanov and Brandon Nakashima.

Djokovic vs Dimitrov: Head-to-Head

Djokovic and Dimitrov share an extensive on-court rivalry, dating back to 2012. However, it is Djokovic who leads the Bulgarian player 12-1 in their head-to-head tally. The duo last locked horns in the summit clash of the Paris Masters in 2023, where Nole prevailed in straight sets.

• 2023 Paris Masters, Final: Djokovic 6-4, 6-3
• 2023 Rome Masters, R32: Djokovic 6-3, 4-6, 6-1
• 2023 Australian Open, R32: Djokovic 7-6(7), 6-3, 6-4
• 2019 Paris Masters, SF: Djokovic 7-6(5), 6-4
• 2018 Cincinnati Masters, R16: Djokovic 2-6, 6-3, 6-4
• 2018 Queen’s Club, R16: Djokovic 6-4, 6-1
• 2016 Paris Masters, R16: Djokovic 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
• 2014 Beijing, QF: Djokovic 6-2, 6-4
• 2014 Wimbledon, SF: Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(7)
• 2013 Roland Garros, R32: Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 6-3
• 2013 Madrid Masters, R32: Dimitrov 7-6(6), 6-7(8), 6-3
• 2013 Indian Wells Masters, R32: Djokovic 7-6(4), 6-1
• 2012 Shanghai Masters, R32: Djokovic 6-3, 6-2

Prediction: Djokovic to win in straight sets

Djokovic is facing a title drought this season. He completed a Golden Career Slam last season with his gold medal finish at the Paris Olympics, but has yet to show impressive form this year. The 37-year-old commenced the calendar year in Brisbane, where he couldn’t move past the quarterfinal, and later, his bid for a 25th Slam title at Melbourne Park saw no avail after a right leg injury forced him out of his semifinal contest against the eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev.

Shifting his focus to the Middle East swing, Nole suffered an early exit in Qatar as well. The fortune didn’t change in the Indian Wells either as the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp outclassed him in the Round of 64. However, the former World No. 1 is looking to clinch his overall 100th ATP title in Miami and is now riding in high spirits, with his coach and three-time Major winner Andy Murray by his side.

Nole fancies an all-rounder game style, one that is typically characterized by a strong backhand and powerful serve returns. Not just that, but the Serbian star can easily transition into a counterpunch tactic after executing on-point serves, forcing his rivals far behind the baseline. Djokovic’s recent clash against Korda saw him fire 11 aces and secure 84% of point wins with his first serve. Nonetheless, his Bulgarian rival’s flawless movement skills can exploit openings in the Serb’s game.

Dimitrov’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag so far. While on the one hand, physical restraints hamper his performance, on the other, concerns about his form have largely affected his potential on the circuit. He kicked off the season with a semifinal finish in Brisbane, a showcase he conceded mid-match due to injury concerns. The Bulgarian player’s next stop was at the Melbourne Slam, where he was forced to retire yet again, this time in the opening round. The former World No. 3 later endured back-to-back early exits in Qatar and Dubai and concluded his Indian Wells campaign with a Round of 16 loss to Carlos Alcaraz.

However, on any given day, Dimitrov’s game can pose a significant threat to rivals. Known for his versatile and dynamic gameplay, the former World No. 3’s signature one-handed backhand, coupled with a multi-dimensional approach, screams as opponents’ No. 1 lookout on-court. Moreover, the Bulgarian player recorded a laudable 80% point wins from his first serve in the quarterfinal showcase against Cerundolo. But concerns about his recent performance on the tour aren’t to be neglected either.

Novak Djokovic’s newfound form in Miami and a superior record over his extensive rivalry against Dimitrov make him the favorite to win this encounter. He should win in straight sets and advance without facing much trouble.