Djokovic admits pressure after conversation with Messi's son

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic secured a victory over Grigor Dimitrov in the semifinals of the Miami Masters and is close to claiming his 100th title.

During his semifinal match, the legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi was present in the stands. Naturally, journalists couldn't resist asking Djokovic about his acquaintance with Leo.

“This is the first time I've played while he's in the stands. I've seen him a few times, I think at the World Cup final, which he won with Argentina. Also, probably saw him last year in Los Angeles with Inter Miami. Obviously, I'm thrilled that his whole family was here. I saw him after the match, he came to the locker room. We talked a bit, exchanged gifts,” Djokovic admitted.

"It's a great honor. He's a fantastic athlete, not just a footballer. His impact on the world of sports over the last 20 years has been enormous. Seeing him watch me live, of course, brings me a lot of joy and excitement, and honestly, a bit of pressure as well.

Today, one of his kids rated me 8 out of 10, which is quite good. With a serious face, he said that in the next match I should get 10 out of 10. So I have a little pressure from Messi's son.

We joked a bit. It was nice to meet his whole family. It's a very touching moment for me because it's one thing when he comes alone, and entirely different with his family, kids, wife. As a young father, I understand what that means. It moved me a lot, and his desire to spend time afterwards. I cherish this time, it's a wonderful moment for me, for the tournament, and for tennis as a whole, that he's here," the Serbian noted.

Let's recall that Novak Djokovic will play in the tournament final for the first time since October 2024, when he lost in Shanghai to Jannik Sinner. The only title for the 37-year-old Serbian since the beginning of 2024 remains the Olympic gold medal in Paris.