Although defending champion Novak Djokovic won in straight sets, he had to work for it. Fellow compatriot Viktor Troicki gave the world number one a decent test. Still, Djokovic carried the match 6-3, 6-4 to earn a place in the round of 16.

Once Djokovic obtained the quick break for 2-0, there was a feeling that this session would be brief. Yet, Troicki wasted five break points which permitted his rival to consolidate for 3-0 in the initial set.

The one break deficit proved to be Troicki’s undoing in the first set.

In the second set, Djokovic again got up to an early break for 2-0. However, this time, Troicki capitalized on break point and went on to square the set at 2 all.

Yet, later, with a bevy of miscues, Djokovic had triple break point. When Troicki’s forehand sailed wide, Djokovic went in front 4-3.

Troicki mounted a comeback by getting to double break point. But, Djokovic stood his ground and consolidated for 5-3.

Subsequent to a Troicki hold, Djokovic arrived at triple match point. Courtesy of another mistake from his counterpart, Djokovic sealed the match and punched his ticket into the fourth round.

With this victory, Djokovic is now 11-1 versus his countryman with 10 successive wins. In Miami, once Djokovic has progressed past the second round, he’s advanced all the way to the final. It was the case in 2007, 2008 and 2011.

In the round of 16, Djokovic faces Richard Gasquet. The Frenchman overcame Albert Ramos 6-2,5-7,6-3. Djokovic has prevailed in five of the six meetings against Gasquet.

Mardy Fish defeated Kevin Anderson in two sets while Nicolas Almagro bounced fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-3,6-4. Consequently, Fish and Almagro will meet in the next round and fight for a place in the quarterfinals.