Djokovic Loses to Qualifier at Sony Ericsson

Defending champion Novak Djokovic, who often bounces the ball more than a dozen times before serving, went into a funk after being warned for taking too much time between points, then blew a third-set lead to lose his opening match yesterday at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Fla.

Qualifier Kevin Anderson, a 6-foot-7 former NCAA doubles champion at Illinois, beat the third-ranked Djokovic, 7-6 (7-1), 3-6, 6-4.

Djokovic won his first Grand Slam title at this year's Australian Open and was coming off a title at Indian Wells last week.

Serving at 2-0 in the third set, Djokovic won the next point after the warning to reach deuce, then lost 13 points in a row. Jeers from the crowd further agitated him, and by the time Djokovic collected himself, Anderson was up a break at 3-2.

"I didn't focus myself in that moment," Djokovic said. "But, you know, that's okay. It's all part of the game."

Anderson, a big-serving South African, played for three years at Illinois and won the 2006 NCAA doubles title. He turned pro last year, and the victory was his first over a top 10 player.

"Just knowing what he's done and what a great player he is, to have beaten him is a tremendous experience for me," said Anderson, ranked No. 122.

Another qualifier, Benjamin Becker, had no luck against second-seeded Rafael Nadal, who won, 7-5, 6-2. No. 9 James Blake eliminated Andreas Seppi, 7-5, 6-3.

In women's play, defending champion Serena Williams and top-ranked Justine Henin won their opening matches easily.

Williams, seeking her fifth Key Biscayne title, reached the third round by beating Edina Gallovits, 6-1, 6-2. Henin defeated Angelique Kerber, 6-4, 6-2.

Djokovic, leading 2-0 but facing break point, was dribbling before a serve when umpire Norm Chryst warned him for taking too much time. Djokovic won the point with a forehand winner, then screamed in the umpire's direction and shook both fists, drawing hoots from the crowd.

Two points later, when Djokovic hit a first serve into the net, several fans cheered. He glared toward the stands, then lost the point and the game when he blew an easy volley.

He rapidly unraveled from there, losing the next two games at love. Once Anderson took the lead in the final set, he kept it by serving well down the stretch, and on match point Djokovic slammed a forehand into the net.

Williams, who lives 90 minutes up Interstate 95 in Palm Beach Gardens, improved to 24-1 at Key Biscayne since 2002.

"I love playing here, I love having all my friends come and see me play," Williams said. "It's like playing at home."

-- From News Services