Djoko evicted

KEY BISCAYNE, Florida – With a listless, sloppy performance, the No. 2-ranked Novak Djokovic lost his opening match Friday at the Sony Ericsson Open to Olivier Rochus, 6-2, 6-7 (7), 6-4.

Djokovic’s mistakes mounted, and so did the fans’ frustration. Midway through the final set, when the Serb sent yet another unsightly shot wide, there was a collective groan and a smattering of boos.

A short time later, when Djokovic walked off the court defeated, the jeers were louder. He made a thumbs-up gesture in response.

“I don’t feel great on the court, and everybody could see that,” Djokovic said. “Life goes on, you know.”

No. 4-seeded Rafael Nadal followed Djokovic into the stadium but not to the sideline, beating American Taylor Dent, 6-4, 6-3. No. 6 Andy Roddick enjoyed a chat in the players’ lounge with a friend, NFL star Terrell Owens, before defeating Igor Andreev, 6-4, 6-4.

In women’s play, former No. 1-ranked Justine Henin, No. 2-seeded Caroline Wozniacki, No. 14-seeded Kim Clijsters and defending champion Victoria Azarenka advanced to the third round.      (AP)