Sebastian Korda enjoyed a strong week in Florida, reaching the quarterfinals of his home tournament.
The American star began his year in fine form, narrowly losing out in three sets to Felix Auger-Aliassime in the Adelaide International final.
Korda was then knocked out of the Australian Open in the second round before losing his opening round matches in Marseille and Indian Wells.
Bouncing back in Miami, Korda beat Gael Monfils in three sets, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, booking his spot in the quarterfinals.
Facing off against the favorite for the tournament, Korda lost to Novak Djokovic in straight sets, and he now explains what the Serb did well during their Miami Open clash.
Sebastian Korda says Novak Djokovic’s serve placement is ‘unlike anyone else’
During his post-match press conference, Korda highlighted the area of Djokovic’s game that was firing on all cylinders in Miami.
“His placement,” he said.
“The way he covers it, you honestly don’t really know where he is going with it.
“It’s unlike anyone else.
“His first serve percentage was nearly 80% [actually 86], it’s pretty tough to play someone when they are playing that good.”
The American was then asked whether he is looking forward to playing Djokovic again after losing to the 24-time Major champion for a second tme.
- 2025 Miami Open (QF) – Novak Djokovic beat Sebastian Korda, 6-3, 7-6
- 2021 Adelaide 1 (F) – Novak Djokovic beat Sebastian Korda, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4
“If I get to play him every single tournament, I am pretty happy, I want to play him,” said Korda.
“I want to put myself against the best players, I want to see where my game is at and today was really great for me.
“It shows me where I am at, what I need to work on, and what I am doing well, so I am happy with the way I played today.
“Obviously disappointed I couldn’t take it to a third set and you never know what is going to happen there, but happy with the way I played today and excited to get back on the practice court and keep going at it.”
Korda is set to return to action at the Monte-Carlo Masters event on April 7.
Novak Djokovic searches for 11th consecutive win over Grigor Dimitrov in Miami
Next up for Djokovic on his quest for a 100th career title is Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov, who has now reached back-to-back Miami Open semi-finals.
Dimitrov beat Francisco Cerundolo in the quarterfinals, securing his place in the last four, where he’ll face off against an opponent who has had the better of their 12 previous encounters on the ATP Tour.
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2023 Paris Masters – F | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 6-4, 6-3 |
| 2023 Rome – R32 | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 |
| 2023 Australian Open – R32 | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2019 Paris Masters – SF | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 7-6, 6-4 |
| 2018 Cincinnati – R16 | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2018 Queen’s – R16 | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 6-4, 6-1 |
| 2016 Paris Masters – R16 | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 |
| 2014 Beijing – QF | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 6-2, 6-4 |
| 2014 Wimbledon – SF | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 6-4, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6 |
| 2013 French Open – R32 | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 |
| 2013 Madrid – R32 | Grigor Dimitrov | Novak Djokovic | 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 |
| 2013 Indian Wells – R32 | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 7-6, 6-1 |
| 2012 Shanghai – R32 | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 6-3, 6-2 |
Dimitrov scored his sole career victory over the Serb in Madrid 12 years ago, battling through in three tight sets to advance to the last 16.
The win was Dimitrov’s first against a world number one, as he played some of his finest tennis on the Spanish clay.
It remains to be seen if Dimitrov can beat Djokovic for a second time in Miami, but it will certainly be worth a watch when they play for a spot in the final on Friday, March 28.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
