Djokovic and Sharapova look forward to Miami

HEAD racquet rebels Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova reached the final weekend at the ATP-WTA event in Indian Wells, California and head across country to the Masters event in Miami. Defending champion Djokovic took American John Isner to the limit before coming up short 7-6 (9-7), 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) in his semi-final.

"It's frustrating when somebody serves over 70 per cent of the first serves in with that angle and with that speed and accuracy," said Australian Open winner Djokovic. "I knew I had to stay patient and just wait for the chance. I had some chances, I didn't use them. But I think I played a really good match. He played very well when he needed to, so all the credit to him."

Djokovic, playing with his YouTek IG Speed MP, remains fully confident heading to Miami, where he also won the title during 2011. “It's still a week to my first match, so I'm going to take some time and regroup.

Maria Sharapova entered the final against Victoria Azarenka swinging her YouTek IG Instinct MP. Azarenka took the trophy, but the Sharapova was upbeat about her chances in Miami, where she has played three finals, including one last year to Azarenka. "I feel good, it's good to be back in the final. I got one step further than last year. I love this stretch of these two tournaments. They're very great, nice tournaments. They're close to home for me, both in California and Miami.”