Djokovic To Face Gasquet: Del Potro Advances

© Getty ImagesNovak Djokovic has an 11-1 record against Viktor Troicki.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic reached the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open Monday, defeating 27th seed Viktor Troicki 6-3, 6-4.

The top-ranked Serbian saved seven of the eight break points he faced, and won 75 per cent of his second serve return points to advance in one hour and 25 minutes. The win marked Djokovic’s 11th straight victory over his countryman, after dropping their first meeting five years ago in Umag.

"Generally, I feel that I have been playing well in [my first] two matches," said Djokovic. "I did have some ups and downs, especially in today's match, but I'm confident that I can raise the level of performance in every match."

Djokovic is aiming to win his second title of the season, having captured his fifth Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open (d. Nadal). Entering Miami, he bowed out in the semi-finals of his past two events, in Dubai (l. to Murray) and Indian Wells (l. to Isner).

The 24 year old will face No. 17 seed Richard Gasquet for a place in the quarter-finals. Djokovic is 5-1 against the Frenchman.

"He's got a lot of experience and a lot of variety in his game," Djokovic said. "He can play equally well defensively and offensively. [He's] going to be a very tricky opponent, obviously. I just need to go out on the court and be aggressive, because that's where I feel most comfortable."

Gasquet topped Albert Ramos 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in two hours and 33 minutes to avenge his opening-round loss to the Spaniard at the BNP Paribas Open. Gasquet is through to the round of 16 for the first time at Crandon Park, winning back-to-back matches at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event for the first time in his seventh appearance.

Fifth seed David Ferrer edged Julien Benneteau 7-6(5), 6-4. Ferrer, winner of three titles this season, will next clash with No. 11 seed Juan Martin del Potro. The Argentine beat 23rd seed Marin Cilic 6-3, 7-6(3) in one hour and 48 minutes.

Day-session attendance of 15,491 fans set a new record for Session 13.