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Djokovic: It's Not Working


Novak Djokovic offered a blunt assessment of his game following his opening-round exit in Miami.

The former world No. 1 fell to Benoit Paire, 6-3, 6-4 in a 67-minute match today.

Watch: Miami Open Live Blog

The six-time Miami Open champion suffered his third straight loss marking the first time in 11 years Djokovic has dropped three matches in a row.

Afterward, a candid Djokovic said he can't find answers to his on-court issues.

"I mean, I'm trying, but it's not working. That's all," Djokovic told the media in Miami. "That's all it is. I mean, obviously I'm not feeling great when I'm playing this way. Of course, I want to be able to play as well as I want to play. Just it's impossible at the moment. That's all. I lost to a better player."

Djokovic had won 30 of his last 31 Miami Open matches, but lacked sting on his serve. Djokovic missed six months because of an elbow injury and underwent an elbow procedure last month. He hasn't been hitting his kick serve as frequently since his return.

The 30-year-old Serbian won just 53 percent of his first-serve points and dropped serve four times.

"I mean, I felt I started the match well, first six games, then I just ran out of gas," Djokovic said. "He was serving well. I just wasn't able to break him down. He was just coming up with the good shots at the right time. It happened very fast."

The 12-time Grand Slam champion had plans to launch his clay campaign in Monte Carlo next month though he was non-committal about his immediate playing plans.

"I mean, that was the plan," Djokovic said of playing Monte Carlo. "But let's see what happens."

Photo credit: Photo credit: Dan Huerlimann/Beelde Images

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