Djokovic tumbles, but progresses

Novak Djokovic took a nasty spill during a tight first set but then pulled away and beat Joao Sousa 6-4 6-1 on Sunday in the third round at the Miami Open.

Djokovic slipped and fell on his left side behind the baseline as he hit a running forehand into the net to lose serve, making the score 4-all.

But he rose unhurt and soon took charge of the match, losing only 11 points in the final eight games.

Seeded No.1, Djokovic is bidding for his sixth Key Biscayne championship, which would tie Andre Agassi’s men’s record.

“I slipped a few times. Conditions here are quite different from Indian Wells,” said the top seed.

“It’s pretty humid and players are sweating a lot. You have some obviously spots, especially behind the baseline, where it’s a little bit too wet. Then it happens that you slip, especially if you’re on a full run, which I was. That’s all.”

Portugal’s Sousa has now lost 19 matches in a row against top 10 opponents.

“It was quite a good performance, the second set felt much more comfortable,” Djokovic said.

“I served very well the entire day. I’m glad that I managed to finish the match the way I am. Obviously gives me confidence for next one.”

Meanwhile, two-time champion Victoria Azarenka overcame five double-faults and held every service game to beat qualifier Magda Linette 6-3 6-0.

The in-form Azarenka, seeded 13th, moved into the fourth round and is bidding to become only the third woman to win Indian Wells and Miami back to back.

No. 2 Angelique Kerber rallied past qualifier Kiki Bertens, who retired trailing 1-6 6-2 3-0.