Djokovic wins Miami opener

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic made a strong start in his quest for a third consecutive Miami Open title while Roger Federer’s expected return from a two-month layoff was over before it started.

Djokovic, seeking his sixth Miami crown overall and the first “three-peat” since Andre Agassi in 2001-2003, opened by defeating Britain’s 87th-ranked Kyle Edmund 6-3, 6-3 in the ATP and WTA hardcourt event on Friday.

But third-seeded Federer, who underwent left knee surgery last month, withdrew from the tournament just hours before his match, citing a stomach virus. He was replaced by 58th-ranked Horacio Zeballos, who made the most of his chance by defeating Argentine compatriot Juan Martin Del Potro 6-4, 6-4.

Reigning Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber and Spain’s Garbine Muguruza reached the third round. Kerber beat Czech Barbora Strycova 6-1, 6-1 while Muguruza battled for for over two hours against Dominika Cibulkova 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 7-5.