Never a Dull Moment: Novak Djokovic Breaks Another Rafael Nadal Record at the Miami Open

Novak Djokovic has broken yet another professional record held by his long-time competitor with a commanding straight sets win over Camilo Ugo at the Miami Open.

Ugo, who entered the tournament as a lucky loser, was unable to withstand the force of the former world No.1, succumbing to a scoreline of 6-1, 7-6(1) on Monday (AEDT).

His Serbian counterpart arrived at the tournament aiming to secure a remarkable seventh title at the Miami Open and to eclipse yet another record set by Rafael Nadal.

Nadal relinquished his claim as the player with the most major singles titles (20) in history when Djokovic triumphed in the 2022 Wimbledon final against Nick Kyrgios.

In Miami, Djokovic has once again made history by notching up his 411th ATP Masters 1000 match win, putting him ahead of Nadal in the record books.

Nadal’s record of 410 wins was in jeopardy from the very first round of the Miami Open, with Djokovic equalling that record in the second round.

If Djokovic clinches the tournament title, he will extend his tally to 416 wins.

This would also mark the 37-year-old’s seventh Miami Open title.

“I’m honoured to have achieved another milestone and broken another record,” said Djokovic.

“There’s always something at stake every time I compete, and that certainly drives me to perform well in tournaments.”

The former world No.1 faced a challenge in the second set as he found himself embroiled in a tiebreak contest against his 25-year-old opponent.

Ultimately, Djokovic’s experience and class saw him through, as he completed his record-setting victory in one hour and 45 minutes.

Next up for Djokovic in Miami is Italian world No.16, Lorenzo Musetti, who advanced to the fourth round by defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Grigor Dimitrov also progressed with a hard-fought victory over Russia’s Karen Khachanov, winning 6-7(3), 6-4, 7-5, while America’s Sebastian Korda eliminated ninth seed Stefano Tsitsipas in straight sets.