
Tags: Tennis, Miami Open, Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is not just one win away from bringing up a century of tour-level titles and will get his chance in the Miami Open final.
Novak Djokovic says Sunday's Miami Open final is a "great opportunity" to become just the third player to ever win 100 tour-level titles.
The Serb has been stuck on 99 titles since winning the singles gold medal at the Paris Olympics in July for the first time.
He admitted that bringing up the century, and joining Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) in an exclusive club, has been on his mind.
"Ever since I won my 99th, which was the Olympic Games in Paris, I've been playing with the prospect of winning the special hundred titles," he said.
"I played finals of Shanghai. I was close there. Semi-finals of Australia. Then been trying to find that necessary and much-needed level of tennis that will put me in a position to fight for a trophy, a big trophy."
The 37-year-old is also chasing a record seventh Miami crown and has yet to drop a set in the tournament.
Djokovic has reached eight finals at the Miami Open, equalling Andre Agassi for the most of any player at the event since its inauguration in 1985.
"I've been very happy with the way I prepared for the tournament, the way I've been playing," the 24-time grand slam winner said.
"I haven't dropped a set. It's a great opportunity. Let's see what happens."
Djokovic's semi-final victory over Grigor Dimitrov came in front of a very famous spectator in Lionel Messi, and the two sporting legends caught up after the match.
"It was the first time I've played in front of him," Djokovic said. "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 in 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."
Djokovic, the oldest player to ever reach an ATP Masters 1000 final, takes on the unseeded Jakub Mensik in Sunday's final.