Djokovic knocked out by qualifier in Miami

By Sandra Harwitt

MIAMI, Florida (Reuters) - Holder Novak Djokovic lost 7-6 3-6 6-4 to South African qualifier Kevin Anderson in his opening match at the Sony Ericsson Open on Friday.

World number three Djokovic, drained after winning last week's Pacific Life Open, could not handle the power of his lanky, 6-foot-7 opponent.

"On the last point my shoelace was broken but I'm not trying to find excuses," the Australian Open champion told reporters. "He deserved to win.

"I tried to recover but obviously I was a little bit tired from the start."

World number 122 Anderson, who reached the Las Vegas Open final this month as a qualifier, was in disbelief after his first victory over a top-10 player.

"I really don't know what to say right now," he said. "I really tried to give myself the best shot.

"I kept telling myself I can do this, I've just got to believe in myself, play my game."

Djokovic said he would now take a break from tennis.