DJOKOVIC SETS UP THIEM CLASH, SERENA STUNNED

An eight time defending champion at Miami, Serna Williams was stunned by Svetlana Kuznetsova, going down 6-7(3), 6-1, 6-2. After a grueling first set, the American didn’t last long and was knocked out before the quarters for the first time since 2000.

“I did the best I could,” said a dissapointed Williams after the match.

Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round of Miami Open beating Joao Sousa 6-4, 6-1. The double defending champion is trying to match the record of Andre Agassi’s six Miami titles. He will next face the Dominic Thiem, who has taken the tennis world by storm, after an impressing 2016 already.  Thiem has already clinched 5 ATP titles this year that includes a win over Rafa Nadal on his way to the Beunos Aires title.

“I’m sure he wants to showcase all that he’s got in his arsenal but I will be sure to be ready for him,” said the world number one.

The Japanese sensation Kei Nishikori disposed off Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-2 6-2 to advance into the fourth round at the ATP Miami Open. Ninja Kei will now play the winner of the match between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Roberto Bautista Agut.

Dolgolopov drew first blood by breaking Kei early, but being inconsistent ay his service games and making 19 unforced errors cost him the first set. He ended the match with 30 break points.

“It’s not easy when you’re in the top 10 and everybody is playing their best against you. I have to really stay focussed and play my tennis all the time” said the sixth seed Nishikori.

David Goffin dismantled Viktor Troicki 6-1, 6-1, while the replacement for Roger Federer in this tournament, Horacio Zeballos, stunned Fernando Verdasco 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). David Ferrer’s exit was the biggest shocker of the day, as the Spaniard went down (1-7), 7-6, (7-4), 7-5 to France’s Lucas Pouille.

Simona Halep too, eased her way into the next round with a 6-3 6-4 win over Heather Watson. She sets up a an encounter with Timea Bacsinszky, who defeated the second seed Polish Aga Radwanska 2-6 6-4 6-2. India Wells champion Azarenka is set to meet fourth seed Gabrine Muguruza.

The Australina Open champion Angelique Kerber struggled her way into the next round after her opponent, the 108th-ranked Dutch qualifier Kiki Bertens retired due to illness. Kerber was leading 1-6 6-2 3-0.