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Rediff.com  » Sports » Miami Open: Djokovic, Nishikori and Raonic reach last 16

Miami Open: Djokovic, Nishikori and Raonic reach last 16

March 31, 2015 08:01 IST
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Novak Djokovic of Serbi

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot to Steve Darcis of Belgium. Photograph: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Defending champion Novak Djokovic defeated Belgium's Steve Darcis 6-0, 7-5 on Monday to power into the last 16 of the Miami Open along with Japan's Kei Nishikori and Canada's Milos Raonic.

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The Serbian world number one, who just like last year won at Indian Wells before heading to South Florida, will face Alexandr Dolgopolov, a 7-5, 6-4 winner over Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci, in the fourth round.

Djokovic, who is seeking a fifth win at Miami, wrapped up a one-sided first set in 26 minutes but faced a sterner test in the second.

Darcis broke to go ahead 5-4 but after the Serb levelled up the set, he broke back and held on to secure the match.

Fourth-seed Nishikori had even less trouble as he crushed Serbia's Viktor Troicki 6-2, 6-2 in 63 minutes.

Troicki, who needed medical treatment to his left side during the match, struggled to cope with Nishikori throughout with the 25-year-old converting five of his six break points.

"I was almost perfect on the court. It is so exciting that I am playing well here," said Nishikori. "Maybe he was hurting a little bit but I was still putting him under pressure with my return."

Raonic also moved into the fourth round after a hard-earned 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (3) win over French 31st seed Jeremy Chardy.

Raonic was broken when serving for the match at 5-4 in the second and then Chardy went on to force the third set.

"He started playing more freely and I sort of went the other way," said Raonic. "He played well in the second set and I think he played better than I did in the third."

Belgian 18th seed David Goffin beat Poland's Jerzy Janowicz 6-4, 6-3 while Spain's David Ferrer, the sixth seed, got past Czech Lukas Rosol 6-4, 7-5.

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Source: REUTERS
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