Martina Navratilova pinpointed why Grigor Dimitrov finds it difficult to beat Novak Djokovic.
In Friday’s Miami Open semi-final, the Bulgarian faced the 24-time Grand Slam champion for the 14th time in his career.
But the 33-year-old, who left the court exhausted following his quarter-final, could not match Novak Djokovic’s level inside Hard Rock Stadium.
The Serbian will now compete in Sunday’s championship match where he will face 19-year-old Jakub Mensik.
Martina Navratilova assesses Grigor Dimitrov’s loss to Novak Djokovic at the Miami Open
Grigor Dimitrov has only defeated the former World number one once in his career, and that remained the case in Miami.
He began the match in impressive fashion by breaking Djokovic’s serve in the opening game. But the Serbian broke straight back, and proceeded to control the match from that point on.
The former World number one produced a flawless serving performance as he made 87% of his first serves and won 79% of those points as Djokovic cruised to a 6-2, 6-3 win.
Following the match, 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova told Sky Sports why she thinks Dimitrov struggles against Djokovic.
“I don’t know what Novak’s record is against one handed backhands but I am pretty sure that it is better than against two handed backhands because he spreads the court so well,” she said.
“With a one-handed backhand you have to slice and then you are off [court] and out of position. He just spreads the court so well and I think that is the biggest reason why Dimitrov can’t beat him.
“Against most players it works well but against Novak that slice, he loves it, it doesn’t bother him at all.”
Novak Djokovic played in front of football royalty at the Miami Open
Djokovic produced one of his best performances of the tournament against Dimitrov at the Miami Open.
He is now the oldest player to reach a Masters 1000 final and he achieved this historic achievement in front of football icon and Inter Miami player, Lionel Messi.
His teammate Sergio Busquets attended the tournament earlier in the week, and now the 2022 World Cup winner came to watch Djokovic play, which he was very happy about.
“Obviously thrilled to have his whole family. I did see him after the match. Came by the locker room. So we spent some time talking and exchanged gifts,” Djokovic said.
“It’s a huge honour. I mean, he’s such a great athlete, not just a football player. His impact on the world of sport in the past 20 years has been immense.
“To have him watch me live obviously brings me great, great joy and excitement, and also a bit of pressure, to be honest.”
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