Today’s Men’s News (3/19) – Miami

Written by: Staff on 19th March 2013

Today's Men's News (3/19) - Miami

epa03628209 Juan Martin Del Potro from Argentina in action against Novak Djokovic from Serbia in their semi-final match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, USA, 16 March 2013. Del Potro won to advance to the final against Rafael Nadal of Spain. EPA/MICHAEL NELSON |

Miami

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray will attempt comebacks after losses last weekend at Indian Wells as they play as the top two seeds at the Sony Open in Miami. The event is missing the one-two star punch of Roger Federer (training block) and Rafael Nadal (resting his knees) after Nadal won the Californian desert title at the weekend in a surprise over Juan Del Potro.

But the Spaniard has taken his leave on doctor’s order after playing four of the last five weeks on the knees which kept him out of competition for seven months. His storming comeback produced three titles (two on clay and the Master 1000 honor along with a spare final on clay last month.

Like women, men’s seeds all get byes, leaving the lesser lights to fill the opening days of a program which begins at mid-week.

Qualifying rounds got underway on a wet day at Crandon Park, with NCAA champion Steve Johnson advancing along with Robby Ginepri. Also winning: Jack Sock and Rajeev Ram along with Canadian Frank Dancevic and Russian Dmitry Tursunov.

Weather forecasts are calling for a 30 per cent chance of rain but with lengthy dry spells which should help the qualifying event along.