Game recognizes game – and the saying only gets better when Novak Djokovic joins the conversation. Critics say he’s a bit too long in the tooth for a brawl. Some throw shade at his controversial on-court antics, with one such instance occurring at the Australian Open this year where his mid-match MTO due to a right leg injury invited flak but, hey the facts give us much less to argue. 24 Slams, 99 ATP titles, and an N number of weeks spent as a World No. 1 speaks volumes about Nole’s stature in the sport. Sort of like a running faucet of fame, his aura transcends across sports. Even Lionel Messi couldn’t resist indulging him, exchanging words not once but twice ‘about everything’ by the Argentinean’s own admission. And now, another renowned figure has caught up with the Serb.

Djokovic has jetted to the South Side to compete in the Miami Open for the first time in six years. Though excitement should’ve soared to the summit only after he took to the court, the Serbian icon managed to start off on a high note, even before hitting the court, as he met the rock legend, Bon Jovi.

On Thursday, March 20, the former World No. 1 enjoyed an extended conversation with the ‘It’s My Life’ hitmaker as the duo posed for a photo at the Hard Rock Stadium. Before signing off, the rockstar embraced Djokovic with heartwarming words saying – “Brother, man please reach out, okay.”

Their meeting was aired on the Masters 1000 event’s official Instagram handle, with the post’s caption referring to a famous lyric from Jovi’s ‘Living on a Prayer’ single: “We’ve got each other, and that’s a lot.” The famed singer, who is a Florida-based tennis aficionado, also shared one of the players’ benches alongside his wife, Dorothea Hurley, as Djokovic, his coach Andy Murray, and Alexander Zverev walked onto the court for a training session.

For those unaware, Djokovic arrives in Miami hoping to regain his form following premature exits in Indian Wells and Doha. The ‘Serbinator’ boasts an incredible 44-7 record at the tournament and first won the event as an 18-year-old in 2007. Bidding to become the oldest Masters 1000 champion since 1990, Djokovic enthusiastically admitted “to getting out in front of the very vibrant crowd. I think here, very international as well, a lot of South Americans love tennis and just always love the atmosphere here in Miami. I thought it was very unique so I can’t wait to be out on the court.”

However, concerns about his fitness and maintaining a high level of play against formidable rivals are still in discussion among fans. Though he won’t fade without causing trouble to his opponents, Djokovic has yet to win a title this year. However, he is confident about overturning that disappointment in Miami.

Novak Djokovic asserts he has the “tennis level” required to win big titles

Novak Djokovic, 37, is just one title shy of claiming his 100th ATP tour-level crown. And, should he claim his seventh win at the Miami Open, the former World No. 1 would break the tie with American Andre Agassi for the most titles at the Masters 1000 event. Despite recent setbacks, Nole believes he can still contend for high-profile trophies.

Speaking to the media in the pre-tournament presser, the Serb drew on his semifinal finish in Melbourne as evidence that he could topple formidable rivals. The veteran said, “I’ve been working hard, giving it my all on the practice court,” he said. “Eventually, it’s going to come, I know that. It’s still encouraging for me to experience the way I was playing in Australia. I’m still able to win against the likes of Alcaraz.” Nole defeated the Spaniard after overcoming a one-set deficit, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, in the last eight down under.

“That’s probably the biggest reason why I still keep pushing myself, motivating myself because I know I still have it in my legs, my hands, my arms. I still have that tennis level that can put me in a good position to win the biggest titles in the sport,” he added.

Djokovic is seeded No. 4 in Miami and has received a bye in the first round. He will now take to the court on Friday, March 21 to lock horns with Australian Rinky Hijika in the Round of 64.