Djokovic knocked out as Cilic, Dimitrov progress in Miami Open
Novak Djokovic’s poor form continued with a shock second-round loss at the Miami Open, while Marin Cilic and Grigor Dimitrov advanced Friday.
A six-time champion in Miami, Djokovic – the ninth seed at the ATP 1000 event – slumped to a straight-sets defeat against Benoit Paire.
While multiple other seeds also fell, the likes of Cilic, Dimitrov, Juan Martin del Potro and Kei Nishikori managed to advance.
DJOKOVIC DOWNED
Djokovic, a 12-time grand slam champion, suffered a 6-3 6-4 loss to Paire, seeing his win-loss record this year slip to 3-3.
The Serbian has struggled on his return from an elbow injury, with the defeat ending his 16-match winning streak in Miami.
Djokovic was dominated by Paire, who converted four of eight break points to win in 67 minutes.
Winner, winner! @benoitpaire defeats Djokovic 6-3, 6-4. #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/fI9pxsc39N
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 23, 2018
CILIC, DIMITROV AND DEL POTRO ADVANCE
Cilic, the second seed, was too good for Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-5 6-3 in the second round.
It was largely a good day for the top seeds, with Dimitrov rallying to overcome Maximilian Marterer 4-6 6-2 6-1.
Del Potro, coming off his success at Indian Wells, also progressed thanks to a 6-4 5-7 6-2 victory over Robin Haase.
Awaiting the fifth seed in the third round is Nishikori, who got past John Millman 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-3.
RAONIC CRUISES, GOFFIN EXITS
Raonic served 16 aces to ease to a 6-3 6-3 win over Swedish teenager Mikael Ymer.
On his return from an eye injury, seventh seed David Goffin was the top-ranked player to depart, crushed by Joao Sousa 6-0 6-1.
Other seeds to fall included Roberto Bautista Agut, Feliciano Lopez, Richard Gasquet, Gilles Muller and Andrey Rublev.
