Lionel Messi's son gives Novak Djokovic a big challenge as he targets historic 100th career title

Novak Djokovic delivered an emphatic display to seal his place in the Miami Open final with a straight-sets victory over Grigor Dimitrov.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion needed just 69 minutes to secure a one-sided 6-2 6-3 win against his Bulgarian opponent.

Djokovic, 37, is bidding to land his 100th career title – a record seventh in Florida – and his first since teaming up with Andy Murray as his coach.

Victory in Sunday’s final against 19-year old Czech Jakub Mensik – ranked 54th in the world – would see Djokovic join Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer as the only men to win 100 titles in a career.

Despite losing his opening service game, Djokovic raced to the first set in 30 minutes after producing just two unforced errors in front of a crowd that included Argentina World Cup winner Lionel Messi.

He never looked in danger of losing the second – missing just six first serves in the entire match – as he booked his place in his eighth final in Miami and his first since Shanghai in October.

Speaking to Sky Sports after his last-four triumph, Djokovic said: “It feels great. I didn’t think I would beat my percentage of first serves from the past match, but I did and that makes life easier on the court.

“It was tricky out there today, the wind was swirling around and not consistent, but I have not dropped a set in this tournament and I feel as good as I have since the Olympics last year.”

We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content

Djokovic also spoke about his meeting with Messi after the match, as he was set a challenge by the Argentine soccer legend’s son.

“It’s a great honour to have King Leo in the stands. I think it’s the first time I’ve played in front of Messi, and honestly, I was a little nervous,” said Djokovic.

“I am very grateful for his attendance with his family. I have always been a fan of him, as most of the world has, throughout his career.”

“He was also asked about Messi in his press conference as he added: “I’ve watched him play a few times. I think finals of World Cup, I watched when he won with Argentina. I think I watched him last year once. I think it was with L.A. with Inter Miami.

“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 exchanging gifts.

“It’s huge honour. I mean, he’s such a great athlete, not just a football player. His impact on the world of sport in the last 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.

“So I have quite a bit of pressure from Messi’s son there. Yeah, we joked around. It was nice to meet with his whole family. It was very touching moment for me because it’s one thing that he comes, but then bringing his whole family, his kids, his wife.

“As a young father myself, I know what that means. It’s different when you bring the whole family. I was very touched by that and his willingness to spend some time after. I value that time with him.

“It’s a wonderful moment for me and for this tournament and tennis in general for him to be here.”

Djokovic won his first ATP 1000 title in Miami in 2007 when he was just 19, and on Sunday he will play against a 19-year-old looking for his maiden title success.

Mensik hit 25 aces as he outlasted third seeded Taylor Fritz to win 7-6 (4) 4-6 7-6 (4) in almost two-and-a-half hours.

The Czech put his success down to a pre-match meeting with Messi.

He said on court: “I was shaking his hand and actually kind of chilling with him so I didn’t wash my hand before I stepped on court and that was probably the key to today.”

Fritz grabbed the only break of the match at the start of the second set, but made errors in the tie breaks as Mensik booked his first ATP Masters 1000 final against his childhood hero.

“It feels incredible,” he said about facing Djokovic. “It was a dream to play against him in Shanghai. For now it’s a bit different.

“I am a better player now and I’m going to enjoy and it’s going to be really exciting. Let’s see what’s going to happen Sunday.”

Click here to read article