A couple of all-seeded quarterfinal showdowns are on the Wednesday schedule in Miami, where Novak Djokovic continues his title bid against Sebastian Korda. 2024 runner-up Grigor Dimitrov faces Francisco Cerundolo.
(24) Sebastian Korda vs. (4) Novak Djokovic
Djokovic and Korda will be going head-to-head for just the second time in their careers when they clash in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open on Wednesday. They previously squared off in the 2023 Adelaide final, in which Djokovic saved a championship point before triumphing 6-7(8), 7-6(3), 6-4.
An immediate exit from the Indian Wells Masters extended Djokovic’s losing streak to three matches, but he is in far more encouraging form on leg two of the Sunshine Double. The 37-year-old Serb earned his place in the last eight by taking care of Rinky Hijikata, Camilo Ugo Carabelli, and Lorenzo Musetti all in straight sets. Korda has done well to defeat Eliot Spizzirri, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Gael Monfils, but nothing suggests that he is ready to upset Djokovic. The 25th-ranked American has always struggled to get over the hump against much higher-ranked opponents and that will likely be the case once again with Djokovic looking healthy and motivated in Miami.
Pick: Djokovic in 2
(23) Francisco Cerundolo vs. (14) Grigor Dimitrov
There have been more than enough results over the years to confirm that Cerundolo is by no means a clay-court specialist. The 24th-ranked Argentine is an outstanding all-court player, and nowhere is he better away from clay than he is in Miami. Cerundolo was a semifinalist in 2022, a quarterfinalist in 2023, and now he is back in the quarters following straight-set victories over Alexandre Muller, Tommy Paul, and Casper Ruud.
Up next for Cerundolo is a second meeting with Dimitrov, who won their only previous encounter 6-3, 7-5 two years ago at Queen’s Club. The 33-year-old Bulgarian finished runner-up at this event last spring but had previously never been past the fourth round in 12 trips to Miami. Dimitrov was also a modest 5-5 this season prior to beating Federico Cina, Karen Khachanov, and Brandon Nakashima earlier in the fortnight. This is a great opportunity for Cerundolo, whose forehand will be the biggest weapon on the court in this matchup.
Pick: Cerundolo in 3
WWW?
It’s time for Kirda to step up. Most likely Djokovic defense will put Korda under pressure. If he doesn’t focus on it and doesn’t overplay, he could make things iinteresting. Not likely due to his susceptibilities.
it was time for Korda to step up a long time ago
Sometimes people just need a bit of help. I could fix Korda in 3 months.
Not even. two weeks.
The key with Djokovic is to not let his defense intimidate you, especially at 37, nearly 38. Just play big and within yourself and don’t go for the lines.
Monfils against the rest of the tour is comparable to Djokovic, so he’s a chance.
Dimitrov if he is healthy, easily beats Cerendolo, because he starts strong from beginning to end. Also, even if Dimitrov is injured he just doesn’t go down without a fight. I will take that over sketchy Cerendolo any day.
This is the perfect start for Dolo after winning 1st set. There should be no excuse to lose in this spot, even though Dimitrov is set to take the 2nd set. This 3rd set should either define or debunk my opinionated claims.
Eh, players just playing for a quick paycheck this tourney. They are more looking forward to spring/summer in Europe.
Haha, this is why Dolo is never to be trusted. Case in point. Dodo brain like Khachanov.
cant believe he lost that after the first set
Complacency
among plenty of other issues
Djokovic-Korda POSTPONED