Meeting in the locker room Djokovic on Messi's visit: "I was very touched by it"
Two world stars of the sport meet in the locker room at the tennis tournament in Miami. Lionel Messi and Novak Djokovic exchange compliments and gifts.
29.03.2025, 14:15
29.03.2025, 14:20
dpa
The best reward for reaching the final of the Masters 1000 tournament in Miami was given to tennis star Novak Djokovic in the locker room of the Hard Rock Stadium after the match. Football superstar Lionel Messi dropped by with his wife and children - and the Argentinian also brought gifts.
"Having him watch me live is a great honor," admitted the 37-year-old Djokovic in the dressing room after swapping shirts with the football world champion. "But it also puts a bit of pressure on me." He was delighted that Messi had brought his family with him: "I was very touched by that."
In his winner's interview on the court, Djokovic acknowledged the presence of Messi, who is also 37, and called him "King Leo". Messi is such a great sportsman, not just a footballer. "His influence on the world of sport over the last 20 years has been immense," explained Djokovic.
Djokovic is about to win his 100th ATP title
Earlier, Messi, who plays for Beckham's Inter Miami club in Florida, had watched the Serb's 6-2, 6-3 semi-final victory over Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the stands. Djokovic is going for the 100th title of his impressive career in Miami.
Djokovic will face the Czech Jakub Mensik in the final of the Masters 1000 tournament on Sunday. The unseeded 19-year-old surprisingly won against the favored US pro Taylor Fritz in a dramatic match in the tiebreak of the third set 7:6 (7:4), 4:6, 7:6 (7:4). Mensik had also shaken Messi's hand before the match. "I didn't wash my hands before I went on court," the young Czech reported later.
