Novak Djokovic has crossed Grigor Dimitrov to reach his first Miami Open final since 2016 and move to a victory for his 100th ATP title in career.
He will face the Czech player who is never classified Jakub Mensik in the final of Sunday after his shock 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 7-6 (7-4) Victory on the American Taylor Fritz in the second semi-final on Friday.
The Dimitrov of Bulgaria broke Djokovic in the opening match, but the Serbian, watched by his coach Andy Murray, broke.
The world’s number five Djokovic, 37, won five consecutive games to win the first set.
Dimitrov made a trembling start in the second set and the Grand Slam champion 24 times took the opportunity to go through 6-2 6-3.
“Since I won my 99th (title), which was the Olympic Games in Paris, I played with the prospect of winning the 100 special titles,” said Djokovic.
“I tried to find this necessary and essential level of tennis which will put me in position to fight for a trophy, a large trophy.
“This is what I do this week, to be honest. I was very happy with my way of preparing myself for the tournament, the way I played. I did not drop a set.
“It’s an excellent opportunity. Let’s see what’s going on in two days.”
Things started well in winding conditions for the 14th seeded Dimitrov, 33, who won the first match on the Djokovic service but could not capitalize and the Serbian Chic struck his stride and easily won the first set.
After a fan was ejected after saying something to annoy Dimitrov, the Bulgarian took slow start to the second set.
Dimitrov, a finalist defeated last year, won three of his service games, but Djokovic was simply too good.
The six -time Miami Open champion made only five uns forked mistakes against 32 of his opponent.
“There were a few tight matches in the last part of the match,” said Djokovic.
“It was 4-2, 30-30 and he missed a few right blows, then I found very good services with new balls in the last match.
“These were delicate conditions. Very whirlwind. The wind was not coherent, changing a lot. It is not easy to find control of the ball.
“I tried to make him play in these conditions because he is a clean striker. I knew he would have trouble if I played him an additional blow. He fought with the first service more than me.”
The fourth seeded, at 37 years and 10 months, is the oldest finalist in the Masters 1000 ATP, having also been the oldest semi-finalist.
