Novak Djokovic felt the pressure of playing in front of Lionel Messi for first time at Miami Open

What could possibly make the record 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic feel nerves at this stage of his illustrious career?Playing in front of one of his peers from another sport, apparently.When Djokovic beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 on Friday in the semifinals of the Miami Open, Lionel Messi was in the crowd with his family.Messi, the international soccer star, plays for Inter Miami of the MLS.Djokovic, 37, said he was feeling some pressure playing in front of Messi.“Amazing to have him.

Great honor and pleasure to play, I think probably for the first time, in front of him live,” Djokovic said afterward.“I’m really grateful that he was here.

I’ve admired him, of course, as most of the world (has) for most of his career.It’s amazing that he still keeps going.

We’re actually the same age – born in (1987) – so it’s quite nice to have him around.”Greatness respects greatness.Djokovic later posted to social media photos of the two G.O.A.T.s in the locker room after what appeared to be an autographed “jersey’ swap.Djokovic wound up with an Inter Miami jersey and Messi with a Lacoste polo shirt.Djokovic will be in search of his 100th career tournament title Sunday when he faces 19-year-old upstart Jakub Menisk.

It would be his seventh Miami Open crown.“His impact on the world of sports in the last 20 years has been immense,” Djokovic said.“To have him watch me live brings me great joy and excitement and also a little pressure.

It’s definitely different when he brings his family.I was touched by that.”...