Novak Djokovic had a chance to meet Lionel Messi after his semi-final match at the 2025 Miami Open, and he described it as a huge honor.
Djokovic is arguably one of the greatest athletes of all time. He's in the conversation with the likes of Michael Jordan, Lionel Messi, Wayne Gretzky, Usain Bolt, and Michael Phelps. All of these athletes are legends, but meeting each other is still special for them.
One of those meetings happened recently at the Miami Open, where Djokovic reached the final after beating Grigor Dimitrov, 6-2, 6-3. The Serbian dominated the match while being watched by the likes of Lionel Messi and Venus Williams.
Messi plays for Inter Miami, so he didn't have it too far to attend the match, and Djokovic was happy to see the Argentinian legend in attendance. Djokovic spoke about Messi's presence during his on-court interview, and he was asked about the 2022 World Cup champion also after the match.
Djokovic said that it was the first time that he had a chance to play in front of Messi, and he admitted that he himself had a chance to watch the Argentinian play live before.
"Yeah, it was the first time I've played in front of him. I've watched him play a few times. I think finals of World Cup, I watched when he won with Argentina. I think I watched him last year once."
"I think it was with L.A. with Inter Miami. Obviously thrilled to have his whole family. I did see him after the match. Came by the locker room. So we spent some time talking and exchanged gifts."
Usually, Djokovic is the legend that the others want to meet. This time, both athletes who met are legends, and for the Serbian player, it was a huge honor to meet someone like Messi.
"It's a huge honor. I mean, he's such a great athlete, not just a football player. His impact on the world of sport in the last 20 years has been immense. To have him watch me live obviously brings me great, great joy and excitement, and also a bit of pressure, to be honest (smiling)."
"I was rated by one of his sons today as 8 out of 10, which is pretty good. He, with a serious face, told me I have to make 10 out of 10 next match. So I have quite a bit of pressure from Messi's son there. Yeah, we joked around."
"It was nice to meet with his whole family. It was very touching moment for me because it's one thing that he comes, but then bringing his whole family, his kids, his wife. As a young father myself, I know what that means."
"It's different when you bring the whole family. I was very touched by that and his willingness to spend some time after. I value that time with him. It's a wonderful moment for me and for this tournament and tennis in general for him to be here."
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