“I’m very happy with my performance, my attitude on the court,” Novak Djokovic said after his fourth round victory at the Miami Open on Tuesday against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti. With that, the 24-time Slam king entered his first QF in Florida since 2016. Not to mention he’s now earned 411 wins in ATP 1000 matches – most by any player. This week, the Belgrade native is competing to claim a 100th ATP trophy to join the elite club of Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer. But he will need to work for it. Moving forward, he’s set to face America’s Sebastian Korda in the last eight stage on Thursday.
Novak Djokovic vs Sebastian Korda: Preview
Novak Djokovic’s overall run in 2025 season has been sluggish to say the least. Before entering the Melbourne Major, he started the year on a good note, with a QF appearance in Brisbane in early January. America’s Reilly Opelka didn’t let him move beyond that round. Then, at the Australian Open, the Serbian was looking certain to grab his 25th Slam. Sadly, it didn’t happen as he had to withdraw from the semifinal against Alexander Zverev due to a persistent hamstring injury. When he made a comeback, nearly a month later in February, it wasn’t one to remember.
Italy’s Matteo Berrettini ousted him early, in R32, 7-6(4), 6-2. A similar fate chased him in his last event in Indian Wells. Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp edged him out in the R64, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. Fortunately, Djokovic seems to have found his magic back in Miami.
After winning his opener against Aussie Rinky Hijikata in straight sets, he went on to win back-to-back matches in R32 and R16 against Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Lorenzo Musetti, respectively.
MELBOURNE, VIC – JANUARY 17: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates during Round 3 of the 2025 Australian Open on January 17 2025, at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Jason Heidrich/Icon Sportswire TENNIS: JAN 17 Australian Open EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon250117260
Speaking of his opponent, youngster Sebastian Korda, has had a rollercoaster season so far. He began on a great note in Adelaide where he reached the final. However, Felix Auger-Aliassime beat him eventually, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. At the Australian Open, Korda failed to impress after crashing out in the second round itself. In subsequent events, too, the results didn’t vary much. At the Open 13 and Indian Wells, he was ousted in the R32 and R64, respectively. Coming into Miami, however, Korda has shown a lot of improvement.
He began his campaign with a straight-set win over compatriot Eliot Spizzirri. Later, he defeated world No.10 Stefanos Tsitsipas in R32 before taking down another prominent name, Gael Monfils, on Tuesday in R16, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.
Djokovic v Korda: Head-to-Head
Both players have faced each other only once so far.
2023 Adelaide International Final: Djokovic 6-7, 7-6, 6-4
Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets
While Novak Djokovic has struggled to maintain a winning momentum in 2025, he still has a slightly better singles record (7-4) than Sebastian Korda (3-4). Now coming onto event history, Djokovic has already won the Miami trophy six times. In fact, he’s currently leveled at 6-6 with former American legend Andre Agassi. He just needs one more title triumph to have the most number of Miami titles. Previously, he’s also won the event in three straight seasons (2014, 2015, and 2016).
When it comes to Korda, he’s not been able to go beyond QF round – his best run so far. It came in his tournament debut, back in 2021, when he managed to reach the last eight but failed to advance. Andrey Rublev ousted him, 7-5, 7-6. A year later, in 2022’s edition, the American couldn’t go past R32 after a loss to Serbian Miomir Kecmanović. His last appearance in Miami came in 2024, where he once again faced an early exit in R32 following a defeat against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.
Coming onto playing styles, Djokovic is known for his counter-attacks and aggressive stroke-making skills. He knows when to attack and when to defend tightly, with a great adaptability in court coverage. Which means his baseline performance is as good as his near-the-net footwork.
On the other hand, Korda has got a solid forehand stroke in his arsenal. Not to mention his powerful two-handed backhand and effective groundstrokes. Preferably, he likes to dominate from the baseline. In short, he will have to work on his net game, too, if he wants to give Djokovic no chance.
One can agree that Djokovic is not having his best season right now, but he’s still the GOAT, right? Considering his current form in Miami, and the zeal to win the 100th ATP trophy, the Serbian’s expected to wrap up the QF round in straight sets on Thursday.
The post Miami Open 2025: Novak Djokovic v Sebastian Korda; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction appeared first on EssentiallySports.
