Novak Djokovic Wins Miami Masters And Secures 63rd Career Title


Novak Djokovic has beaten Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the final of the Miami Masters in Florida on Sunday with a 6-3, 6-3 match for his 63rd career title. The 28-year-old Serbian took just 85 minutes to join American Andre Agassi as a six-time Miami winner, according to ABC News.

The win came with an impressive $1,028,300 and has secured Djokovic as tennis’ all-time leading money-winner with his career earnings approaching the $100 million mark and surpassing Federer’s winnings.

The No. 1 seed beat Nishikori, the No. 6 seed, to win his fourth consecutive championship and his 28th overall win in the Masters 1000. The masters 1000 is a series of nine tournaments that are considered the most prestigious, other than the four grand slams, in the tennis world.

The win in Florida was Djokovic’s fourth win in 2016 following his wins in Qatar, Indian Wells, and the Australian Open. The only match the tennis star has not won this year was in Dubai when he retired against Feliciano Lopez during the quarter-final with an eye infection, according to CNN.

The Miami Masters holds a momentous place in Djokovic’s career, and heart, as his first Miami win in 2007 paved the way for the 63 ATP titles he now holds, according to Fox Sports.

“It gave me a lot of confidence, a lot of self belief that I can finally win these big tournaments, finally beat the top players,” Djokovic said.

“Every year I come back to this tournament I get goose bumps from those days. I was still 19 years old and making my way to the top.”

Djokovic first won the Miami title in 2007 then repeated the feat in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, and now 2016.

“I have a very special connection to this tournament,” Djokovic said on court as he picked up his winner’s check for $1.02 million. “Back in 2007 at Miami it was the biggest tournament that I had won,” the World No.1 continued. “It has been a springboard for everything that has come after that.”

“I certainly hope the love affair continues in the years to come.”

Djokovic dropped his serve in the first game against Nishikori and struggled to get back on top during the first set, but was able to outclass the No. 6 seed and secure another win.

“First set was a real battle, but towards the end of the first set I started serving better… which means a lot in matches like this against top players,” Djokovic said of his latest win.

Despite Djokovic winning the match, Nishikori was off to a great start and broke Djokovic twice. This, however, was not enough to tumble the No. 1 seed as Djokovic went on to break Nishikori three times in the first set and wrap it up in just 34 minutes.

Nishikori said it was a tough game and that he also made a lot of unforced errors; the Japanese player made 30 unforced errors compared to only 10 winners throughout the match.

“It was a tough match,” Nishikori said. “He was very patient and he didn’t miss. Playing Novak is always a great challenge for me.”

The hard court win victory will be short celebrated as Djokovic turns his attention to France and clay. The French Open is the only grand slam title that Djokovic is missing out on but Djokovic is positive to secure the win.

“I have plenty of energy and lots of motivation for the beginning of the clay-court season that ends up, hopefully, with a crown in Paris,” he said. “That’s obviously one of the top goals each year, but I’m not the only one that wants to win that big trophy.”

With $98 million now banked, Djokovic he has overtaken Roger Federer’s $97 million for the first time in earnings, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

[Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images]

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