Novak Djokovic returns to Miami Open after 6 years

By Vy Anh March 18, 2025 | 05:00 pm PT

Novak Djokovic will enter the Miami Open, the second Masters 1000 event of the year, as the No. 4 seed, positioned in the same semifinal bracket as No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic is returning to the Miami Open for the first time since 2019. A five-time tournament champion from 2011 to 2016, he reclaimed a spot in the ATP top five after his rivals lost ranking points at the BNP Paribas Open earlier this year.

Following the draw on Monday, Djokovic landed in the same half as Alcaraz. He will open his campaign in the second round on March 21 against either Hamad Medjedovic or Rinky Hijikata.

A potential third-round matchup could see him face rising star Alex Michelsen or Felix Auger-Aliassime. If he advances to the quarterfinals, possible opponents include Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Jiri Lehecka.

Djokovic (trái) tập luyện cùng HLV Andy Murray ở Indian Wells hai tuần trước. Ảnh: Reuters

Novak Djokovic (L) trains with coach Andy Murray in Indian Wells. Photo by Reuters

Despite holding a record 40 Masters 1000 titles, Djokovic recently suffered a three-match losing streak, including a BNP Paribas Open opener against Botic van de Zandschulp. His Miami Open record stands at 44 wins and 7 losses. He has been chasing his 100th ATP title for the past year and a half.

Carlos Alcaraz, the 2021 Miami Open champion, will face either David Goffin or Aleksandar Vukic in the second round. A potential third-round clash could pit him against Brandon Nakashima, Karen Khachanov, or Grigor Dimitrov. His quarter also includes Casper Ruud, Tommy Paul, and Francisco Cerundolo. Last year, Alcaraz fell to Dimitrov in the quarterfinals, while in 2023, he was stopped by world's number one Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.

In the top half of the draw, No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev shares his bracket with Arthur Fils, Frances Tiafoe, and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. He could face Holger Rune or Jack Draper in the quarterfinals.

American players Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton are in the same fourth-round section but must fight their way past big names like Denis Shapovalov, Hubert Hurkacz, and Lorenzo Sonego.

The 2025 Miami Open begins on March 19, with the top eight seeds starting from the second round. The champion will take home $1.1 million. Defending champion Jannik Sinner is absent due to a three-month doping suspension.