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Djokovic loses to Rochus at Sony Ericsson Open

Former champion Novak Djokovic lost his opening match to Belgium\’s pocket rocket Olivier Rochus 6-2, 6-7 (7), 6-4 at the Sony Ericsson Open on Friday.
Rochus, who stands just 1.67 meters and ranks 59th in the world, fought like a tiger throughout the contest, sweeping the first set and battling hard in the second under a barrage of break points.
The underdog was broken leading 5-4 and serving for the win in the third, but the Belgian broke back for victory as Djokovic sailed a forehand over the baseline after nearly three hours on court plus the nearly one-hour rain delay.
The frustrated Serb was left to ponder 10 double-faults and six broken serves.
In men\’s play, No. 24 Ivo Karlovic hit 28 aces, held every service game and beat Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-3. Karlovic had been 0-6 previously at Key Biscayne.
No. 12 Juan Carlos Ferrero and No. 15 David Ferrer also won. Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick were among those with matches scheduled later Friday.
Women\’s seventh seed Jelena Jankovic followed up her WTA Indian Wells title with an opening victory, defeating Mariya Koryttseva 6-4, 6-0 to save face for Serbia.
No. 2-seeded Caroline Wozniacki rallied past qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Defending champion Victoria Azarenka won her opening match, beating Alexandra Dulgheru 6-3, 6-2.