Rafael Nadal out of Miami Open after Fernando Verdasco defeat

Rafael Nadal has been knocked out of the Miami Open after losing in three sets to Fernando Verdasco.

The former world number one looked to be out of sorts in the first set as Verdasco was able to grind out the opener 6-4.

Nadal battled back in the second and quickly levelled the match by winning the set 6-2 as normal service appeared to resume.

However, Verdasco was able break the 16-time Grand Slam champion twice to open up a 5-2 advantage.

The world number three needed to save a match point in the eighth game of the decider before breaking back to keep his hopes alive.

However, serving with new balls, Verdasco was able to see out the match and sets up a fourth-round clash with the winner of the match between Juan Monaco and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.