Novak Djokovic reacts to what Grigor Dimitrov said about him after Miami match as he confirms what their relationship is really like
Novak Djokovic is preparing to compete in his 60th Masters 1000 final at the 2025 Miami Open.
The 37-year-old’s impressive run in Florida continued, as Djokovic beat Grigor Dimitrov, 6-2, 6-3, to advance to the final.
Djokovic has now won his previous 11 encounters with the Bulgarian, in a run that stretches back to 2013.
Despite breaking in the first game of the match, Dimitrov couldn’t keep up with the 24-time Major champion as he failed to reach back-to-back Miami Open finals.
33-year-old Dimitrov was full of praise for Djokovic after their semi-final clash, as the Serb reacted to the comments during his post-match press conference.
Novak Djokovic is ‘very grateful’ to hear compliments from his ‘friend’ Grigor Dimitrov
During Djokovic’s post-match press conference, a reporter shared what Dimitrov had just said about the Serb.
“He said you wear confidence like a stain on your shirt,” said the reporter.
“It is beautiful to see and only a few athletes on Earth possess that quality.”
Djokovic was grateful to receive such a compliment from one of his fellow ATP Tour stars.
“Very grateful to hear something like that coming from someone that I really respect as a player but even more than a player, as a person,” he said.
“Someone that I consider a friend, a guy I really love spending time with off the court as well.
“Bulgaria and Serbia are neighbouring countries, so we share a lot of tradition and culture and a lot of things in common; [the] language is quite similar.”
Djokovic then reflected on his rivalry with Dimitrov, looking forward to their next meeting.
“He has been around the tour for many years, it is a great compliment to receive that from him,” he said.
“I am very grateful, obviously, to be able to share the court with him once again.
“Hopefully we can have a few more battles before we retire.
“We have been playing for quite a long time.”
Djokovic extended his head-to-head lead over Dimitrov to 13-1, with his win in Miami, as he continues to get the better of the 2017 ATP Finals champion.
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2024 Miami Open – SF | Novak Djokovic | Grigor Dimitrov | 6-2, 6-3 |
| 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 |
It remains to be seen if Dimitrov can score a second career win over Djokovic, having last beaten him at the Madrid Open 12 years ago.
Novak Djokovic is one win away from Miami Open record
Djokovic has won six titles at the Miami Open in his career to date, dominating the tournament during the 2010s.
- 2016 Miami Open F – Novak Djokovic beat Kei Nishikori, 6-3, 6-3
- 2015 Miami Open F – Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray, 7-6, 4-6, 6-0
- 2014 Miami Open F – Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal, 6-3, 6-3
- 2012 Miami Open F – Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray, 6-1, 7-6
- 2011 Miami Open F – Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6
- 2007 Miami Open F – Novak Djokovic beat Guillermo Canas, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4
His six titles see him level with Andre Agassi for total victories at the event, but would stand alone at the top of the leaderboard with a win in the final.
| Number of titles won | Name | Years won |
| 6 | Novak Djokovic | 2007, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 |
| 6 | Andre Agassi | 1990, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003 |
| 4 | Roger Federer | 2005, 2006, 2017, 2019 |
| 3 | Pete Sampras | 1993, 1994, 2000 |
| 2 | Andy Murray | 2009, 2013 |
| 2 | Andy Roddick | 2004, 2010 |
| 2 | Ivan Lendl | 1986, 1989 |
Czech teenager Jakub Mensik stands in his way as the pair face off for the Miami Open title on Sunday, March 30.
