Novak Djokovic: Andy Murray talks helped me deliver ‘flawless tennis’ in second-round victory in Miami

Novak Djokovic produced what he called "flawless" tennis at one stage as he saw off Australia's Rinky Hijikata in the second round of the Miami Open. The Serbian said after the match that he had been working with his team on the mental side of the game, which has included personal conversations with Andy Murray. Djokovic will next play Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round.

Djokovic was encouraged by his performance and victory in MIami

Image credit: Getty Images

Novak Djokovic believes recent conversations with Andy Murray will help set him back on the right path as he saw off Australia's Rinky Hijikata for a spot in the Miami Open third round.

Djokovic banished the disappointment of his first-round exits in Doha and the Indian Wells, flying into an early lead in Florida, taking a bagel opening set but was made to work harder in the second, en route to 6-0 7-6 victory.

It was the 24-time Grand Slam champion's first victory since his Australian Open run, which saw him retire through injury in his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.

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And after a difficult start to the 2025 campaign, Djokovic believes better times are on the way after a useful fortnight with his team.

"I was spending a lot of time actually with my team and training and really talking about the game and what needs to be done, not only from a tennis perspective but also mentally and emotionally," Djokovic told Sky Sports.

"I obviously started doubting my game a little bit more after Australia, I didn't have a great match, I did lose to [Matteo] Berrettini in Doha, he was playing great.

"Then a really poor performance in Indian Wells so I had plenty of time, two weeks almost and I worked on my game.

"Andy and I talked about the game and we both agree if I continue to do the right things and play good quality tennis in practice sessions, it will come."

Djokovic stunned the tennis world late last year when announcing that Murray would be his new coach, initially for the season-opening major in Melbourne.

The pair agreed to extend their partnership and Murray watched Djokovic turn in a dominant performance in the Florida sunshine, with the Olympic champion saying his first-set showing was a particularly good standard.

"The first set-and-a-half, it was flawless tennis. I think it was fair the second set went into a tie-break and I played great in the tie-break," Djokovic said.

"Obviously it's just the first match but the way I felt on the court and the way I played is really encouraging.

"I haven't played here for six years, it's an amazing place."

Djokovic will play Argentina's Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round.

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