Novak Djokovic stuck in a rut following second-round exit at the Miami Open

Djokovic has now lost three matches in a row for the first time since 2007

Novak Djokovic was beaten 6-3 6-4 by Benoit Paire (Getty)

Former world No 1 Novak Djokovic has been beaten 6-3 6-4 by Benoit Paire in the Miami Open second round.

The Frenchman served nine aces and broke Djokovic’s serve on four occasions to cruise through in 67 minutes and deny the Serb a chance of his seventh title at the Florida event.

Djokovic has now lost three matches in a row for the first time since 2007.

Paire advances to a third-round clash with Filip Krajinovic, who beat Britain’s Liam Broady 6-3 6-2.

Paire advances to a third-round clash with Filip Krajinovic (Getty)

Elsewhere, Juan Martin del Potro, on the back of his win at Indian Wells, extended his winning streak with a 6-4 5-7 6-2 victory over Robin Haase.

His Dutch opponent forced a decider after winning the second set 7-5, but the world No 6 held his nerve with a much-improved service game to triumph after two hours, 10 minutes on court.

Del Potro now moves to the third round to face former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori, who defeated Australian John Millman 7-6 (7/4) 4-6 6-3.

Second seed Marin Cilic also advanced to the next round after a 7-5 6-3 win over France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbet, while number two seed Grigor Dimitrov rallied from a set down to beat Maximilian Marterer 4-6 6-2 6-1.

Elsewhere in Miami, Portugal’s Joao Sousa eased to victory over seventh seed David Goffin, who lost 6-0 6-1 on his return after two-months out with an eye injury.

PA