No. 1 Novak Djokovic takes a hard fall but gets up and takes out Joao Sousa at Miami Open

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic took a nasty spill during a tight first set Sunday but then pulled away and beat Joao Sousa, 6-4, 6-1, in the third round at the Miami Open at Key Biscayne, Fla.

The men’s top seed slipped and fell on his left side behind the baseline as he hit a running forehand into the net to lose serve, making the score 4-4. But he rose unhurt and soon took charge, winning eight of the last nine games to improve to 24-1 this year and continue his bid for his sixth Key Biscayne championship, which would tie Andre Agassi’s men’s record. Serena Williams is seeking her ninth title.

Also winning Sunday were two-time champion Victoria Azarenka, who is trying to become only the third woman to win Indian Wells and Miami back to back; 22nd-seeded Floridian Madison Keys, who upset No. 9 Roberta Vinci; and No. 2 Angelique Kerber.

In men’s play, lucky loser Horacio Zeballos, who got into the draw when Roger Federer withdrew due to illness, beat Fernando Verdasco to reach the fourth round. American Steve Johnson, seeded 31st, lost to No. 7 Tomas Berdych.