Key Biscayne: Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic dashed out of the Miami Open after suffering a second round defeat on Saturday as he continues his return from an injury.
Djokovic lost 6-3, 6-4 to French world number 47 Benoit Paire in a match, which lasted over 69 minutes.
It is Djokovic’s third consecutive defeat since he reached the Australian Open fourth round, where he made a comeback after a six-month injury lay-off.
Earlier this month, the Serb was knocked out of the Indian Wells Masters after losing to Taro Daniel of Japan in the second round tie.
“I mean, I’m trying, but it’s not working. That’s all. That’s all it is. I’m not feeling great when I’m playing this way. Of course, I want to be able to play as well as I want to play. Just it’s impossible at the moment. That’s all. I lost to a better player,” Djokovic said post his defeat.
Elsewhere in Miami, Belgium No. 1 David Goffin was defeated by Portugal’s Joao Sousa 6-0 6-1.
Goffin was playing his comeback match after sustaining an eye injury at the Rotterdam Open in January.
Later in the day, World No. 1 Roger Federer will begin his Miami Open campaign against Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia. (ANI)