MIAMI - Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova both survived unscathed but the Sony Open lost two other grand slam champions Friday when Victoria Azarenka and Juan Martin del Potro exited the Miami Tournament. Azarenka withdrew from her opening match because of an ankle injury she suffered playing at Indian Wells last week. “I'm very disappointed ... But I have to take my health into consideration,” said Azarenka, who won the Australian Open in January but has struggled with injuries since. “I tried everything I could but couldn't make it. It's an unfortunate part of our job.” Azarenka's withdrawal proved an unexpected bonus for American teenager Lauren Davis, who failed to qualify for the tournament. She was given a ‘lucky loser' pass into the event when Azarenka pulled out then saved three match points in defeating Madison Keys 6-1, 5-7, 7-6. “I'm very disappointed ... But I have to take my health into consideration,” said Azarenka, who won the Australian Open in January but has struggled with injuries since. Former US Open champion del Potro last week, suffered a surprise 7-6, 6-1 loss to Germany's Tobias Kamke. The towering Argentine had two set points in the opening set but lost his way just a week after making the men's final at Indian Wells. The 26-year-old Kamke advanced to the third round of a Masters 1000 event for the first time. “ I was excited to play here,” del Potro said, “but it was just a bad day, and he play really well.” There were no other major casualties amongst the top seeds, with Djokovic and Sharapova both winning in straight sets. Sharapova romped to a 6-2, 6-0 win over Canada's Eugenie Bouchard while Djokovic, playing in the late night match, cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Lukas Rosol. Only Spain's David Ferrer, the men's third seed, had an easier time. He won in a walkover when Dmitry Tursunov pulled out. Sharapova next faces Russian Elena Vesnina, a 6-4, 6-2 winner over Croatian Donna Vekic. American Jamie Hampton held a match point but lost to No. 20-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (3). Wild card James Blake, playing at Key Biscayne for the 12th time, beat No. 24-seeded Julien Benneteau 6-2, 6-3. — Agencies
