Djokovic’s Miami Goal? ‘Be The Best Version Of Myself’

Novak Djokovic enjoyed plenty of success at the Miami Open presented by Itau when it was held at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, but the top seed hopes to create equally positive memories at the Hard Rock Stadium.

The Serbian seeks a seventh title at this event, which would give him sole ownership of the record he now shares with Andre Agassi. After a surprise third-round defeat last week to Philipp Kohlschreiber at the BNP Paribas Open, Djokovic went straight to the practise court for a few days of heavy training. Despite the new location, Djokovic said he can still draw on his past experiences at this event.

“Miami is very special for me because it’s where I won my first ATP Masters 1000 title in 2007,” said Djokovic. “It’s opened a lot of doors for me and made me believe in myself even more. I’m trying to refresh those memories, even though it’s a different venue, and I feel ready to perform here.”

Although he sports a 42-6 record at Crandon Park and a blank slate at the Hard Rock Stadium, Djokovic supported the decision to switch locations. After hitting on Stadium Court and giving it his stamp of approval, he said the new venue provides a unique opportunity to bring the sport to an even wider audience.

“I thought it was a bold move to get one of the biggest tournaments in the world in Key Biscayne, a historical venue where this tournament was held for so many years, to a football stadium and create something quite different that we haven’t seen before,” said Djokovic. “It’s a courageous move that can bring a lot of benefits for our sport.”

It’s hard to believe that 12 months ago, Djokovic suffered back-to-back opening round losses in Indian Wells and Miami, leaving critics to ponder what his next move would be. Since then, he’s amassed three Grand Slam titles, two Masters 1000 titles (Cincinnati, Shanghai), finished runner-up at the Nitto ATP Finals (l. to Zverev) and is the clear No. 1 in the ATP Rankings.

Djokovic credited the guidance of his family, particularly his brothers Marko and Djordje, with his success over the past 12 months. Both of his brothers competed on the ATP Tour and understand the sacrifices that are necessary to excel in tennis, but the top seed said the simple lessons he’s learned from them have had the most impact.

“I get reminded by them to make myself more conscious of where I am, to be grateful that I have a family and success in the sport that I love,” said Djokovic. “I have a lot of great advice and quality time spent with my brothers… I’ve always wanted to develop that kind of relationship with them.”

His new perspective has been less results-focused and is more process-oriented. Djokovic opens his Miami campaign against Aussie Bernard Tomic or Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro, but said he isn’t worried about anything besides his own performance.

“I don’t expect anything. I’m just working to be the best version of myself on the court this year and trying to get to the level that I was at during the Australian Open,” said Djokovic. “If I can do that, I have a chance to go far during this tournament.”