Raonic, Nishikori, Dimitrov also in action
Tuesday 31 March 2015 15:18, UK
Novak Djokovic will aim to stamp his authority on the Miami Open on Monday after top seeded rivals crashed out over the weekend.
Rafa Nadal and Stan Wawrinka were surprisingly humbled in the Florida sunshine giving Djokovic the opportunity to kick off the week by asserting his position as the tournament top seed.
The mighty Serb will face Steve Darcis on Monday, live from 4pm on Sky Sports 3 HD.
Djokovic has faced the Belgian only once before – beating him in Rome seven years ago – and now faces a second encounter with Darcis en route to defending his Miami title.
Djokovic’s opponent is ranked No 84 in the world but the four-time Miami Open winner has been warned by the surprise eliminations of his Grand Slam-winning peers Nadal and Wawrinka.
He was far from his best in the previous round against Martin Klizan, dropping the second set, so Djokovic will aim to progress in smoother fashion this time around.
Monday’s live action will also feature exciting contenders Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori and Grigor Dimitrov.
Raonic, the world No 6, is enjoying a fine run of form having eliminated Nadal from Indian Wells and will aim to carry his hard-hitting, big-serving style through his match against Jeremy Chardy, who he enjoys a 5-0 head-to-head record against.
World No 5 Nishikori comes up against Viktor Troicki this evening before perennial contender David Ferrer meets Lukas Rosol.
Dimitrov, the world No 11, faces American No 1 John Isner.
Watch Live ATP Tennis: Miami Masters at 4pm on Sky Sports 3 HD.
