Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva's title defence at the Indian Wells came to an ugly end with 6-4, 6(5)-7(7), 3-6 R32 loss against Katerina Siniakova. During the match, Andreeva smashed her racquet multiple times in appearant frustration. It was, however, the Russian's gestures and profanity twoards the crowd after the match was over which has gone viral on the social media. The 18-year-old has also acknowledged short temper as her shortcoming and something she would be working on in the future. Nonethless, her behaviour towards the crowd is something incomprehensible if not her racquet samshing which is far more common in tennis after a player loses.<h2>What did Andreeva say to crowd after losing Indian Well match?</h2>Andreeva started the match well, winning the first set 6-4 but things derailed after that. Her opponent Siniakova won the final match point with the ball hitting the net chord and landing on Andreeva's side, further angering the 18-year-old Russian. She shook hands, as if complete the formality and while walking back twoards the locker room, she appeared to say "f*** you all" while gesturing towards the crowd, shocking a female fan standing near the front seats in the arena. Have a look at her meltdown below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🤬 Mirra Andreeva smashed her racket and shouted at the spectators, “Screw you all!” after losing at the Indian Wells tournament — her opponent, Kateřina Siniaková, facepalmed in response to the Russian’s outburst. 🎾💥 🚧 – Alexander Bublik’s school<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MirraAndreeva?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MirraAndreeva</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a>… <a href="https://t.co/BYSvpqChJV">pic.twitter.com/BYSvpqChJV</a>&mdash; RusWar (@ruswar) <a href="https://twitter.com/ruswar/status/2031298245175943310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-watch-lamine-yamal-saves-barcelona-vs-newcastle-in-historic-ucl-appearance-1773192698176">Lamine Yamal saves Barcelona vs Newcastle in historic UCL appearance</a><h2>How Andreeva responded to her temper tantrums?</h2>Speaking about her behaviour after the match, Andreeva conceded that she's "not really proud of how I managed it." The Russian, however, clarified that her profanities were not directed at the crowd: "It was to myself, to everyone, basically. I mean, after the loss, I just get very angry, so I say those things sometimes to myself. I mean, first to myself, of course, but then, yeah, it was just anger coming out, just a lot of emotions. Not really towards anyone."Andreeva also vowed to work on these things and better at handling herself: "Those are the things that [I] really need to work on soon. I don’t know. Not in the future but whenever I get the chance. Yeah, I hope that I can work on it and I get better in that, as well."&nbsp;

Andreeva also smashed her racquet multiple times in appearant frustration after R32 loss vs Katerina Siniakova and while walking back twoards the locker room, she appeared to say "f*** you all" while gesturing towards the cro

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva's title defence at the Indian Wells came to an ugly end with 6-4, 6(5)-7(7), 3-6 R32 loss against Katerina Siniakova. During the match, Andreeva smashed her racquet multiple times in appearant frustration. It was, however, the Russian's gestures and profanity twoards the crowd after the match was over which has gone viral on the social media. The 18-year-old has also acknowledged short temper as her shortcoming and something she would be working on in the future. Nonethless, her behaviour towards the crowd is something incomprehensible if not her racquet samshing which is far more common in tennis after a player loses. What did Andreeva say to crowd after losing Indian Well match? Andreeva started the match well, winning the first set 6-4 but things derailed after that. Her opponent Siniakova won the final match point with the ball hitting the net chord and landing on Andreeva's side, further angering the 18-year-old Russian. She shook hands, as if complete the formality and while walking back twoards the locker room, she appeared to say "f*** you all" while gesturing towards the crowd, shocking a female fan standing near the front seats in the arena. Have a look at her meltdown below:

Andreeva also smashed her racquet multiple times in appearant frustration after R32 loss vs Katerina Siniakova and while walking back twoards the locker room, she appeared to say "f*** you all" while gesturing towards the crowd.

Mirra Andreeva suffers meltdown, shouts 'F*** you all' to fans as her Indian Wells title defence ends - WATCH

Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu stunned eighth-seeded Angelique Kerber 6-4 3-6 6-4 to win the BNP Paribas Open and capture her first career title in Indian Wells on Sunday (March 17).

Andreescu used creative and aggressive shot-making to defeat the German despite suffering with a troublesome right shoulder on a hot and sunny day in the Southern California desert.

The 18-year-old dropped her racket and fell on her back when Kerber hit a backhand into the net on match point to deliver the tournament wildcard the biggest win of her young career.

Andreescu played fearlessly at the outset, breaking the former world number one Kerber, seeded eighth, in the opening game of the match and taking the first set.

Kerber battled back to claim the second and looked like she would cruise to the finish line when she broke to go up 3-2 in the third after Andreescu needed a medical time out to have her heavily taped right shoulder worked on by a trainer.

Momentum swung in Andreescu's direction when she broke back to level the set at 3-3 and held serve to love in the next game.

Nerves appeared to get to the Canadian near the end, when Kerber saved three match points behind some stout defence.

But Andreescu broke the German in the next game to win the title on the 14,000-seat stadium court.

With the win, Andreescu, who was ranked 152 at the end of last season, is expected to reach the WTA top 30.

Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu stunned eighth-seeded Angelique Kerber 6-4 3-6 6-4 to win the BNP Paribas Open and capture her first career title in Indian Wells on Sunday (March 17).

Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu stunned eighth-seeded Angelique Kerber 6-4 3-6 6-4 to win the BNP Paribas Open and capture her first career title in Indian Wells on Sunday (March 17). Andreescu used creative and aggressive shot-making to defeat the German despite suffering with a troublesome right shoulder on a hot and sunny day in the Southern California desert. The 18-year-old dropped her racket and fell on her back when Kerber hit a backhand into the net on match point to deliver the tournament wildcard the biggest win of her young career. Andreescu played fearlessly at the outset, breaking the former world number one Kerber, seeded eighth, in the opening game of the match and taking the first set. Kerber battled back to claim the second and looked like she would cruise to the finish line when she broke to go up 3-2 in the third after Andreescu needed a medical time out to have her heavily taped right shoulder worked on by a trainer. Momentum swung in Andreescu's direction when she broke back to level the set at 3-3 and held serve to love in the next game. Nerves appeared to get to the Canadian near the end, when Kerber saved three match points behind some stout defence. But Andreescu broke the German in the next game to win the title on the 14,000-seat stadium court. With the win, Andreescu, who was ranked 152 at the end of last season, is expected to reach the WTA top 30.

Unseeded Bianca Andreescu stuns Angelique Kerber in three sets to win Indian Wells singles title

Canadian tennis player <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unseeded-bianca-andreescu-stuns-angelique-kerber-in-three-sets-to-win-indian-wells-singles-title-203950">Bianca Andreescu</a> followed in the footsteps of another teen sensation Naomi Osaka, who was a little-known 20-year-old when she won the title last year.&nbsp;

Osaka used it as a springboard to win titles at the US and Australian opens while ascending to the world number one ranking in January.&nbsp;

"Naomi (Osaka) did this last year and now to be able to have my name in front of so many amazing champions it means the world to me," said Andreescu during the post-match press conference.&nbsp;

"It's been a crazy ride, truly a Cinderella story," she added.&nbsp;

Andreescu became the first wild card to win the WTA title at Indian Wells on with a gritty 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber.&nbsp;

Ranked 60th coming into the tournament, Andreescu will rise to 24th in the world with her first WTA title.&nbsp;

When she finally converted her fourth match point she kissed the sun-baked court and flopped spread-eagled on her back.&nbsp;

The 18-year-old shook off fatigue and rallied from a break down in the third set to topple the eighth-ranked German.&nbsp;

"I was actually praying, like every point, because I started cramping at 5-4 and then… no, actually at 5-3 and then it was crazy," reacted Andreescu after his historic win.&nbsp;

"I just prayed and then God did its stuff and then I managed to pull through," she added.&nbsp;

Canadian tennis player Bianca Andreescu followed in the footsteps of another teen sensation Naomi Osaka, who was a little-known 20-year-old when she won the title last year.

Canadian tennis player Bianca Andreescu followed in the footsteps of another teen sensation Naomi Osaka, who was a little-known 20-year-old when she won the title last year. Osaka used it as a springboard to win titles at the US and Australian opens while ascending to the world number one ranking in January. "Naomi (Osaka) did this last year and now to be able to have my name in front of so many amazing champions it means the world to me," said Andreescu during the post-match press conference. "It's been a crazy ride, truly a Cinderella story," she added. Andreescu became the first wild card to win the WTA title at Indian Wells on with a gritty 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber. Ranked 60th coming into the tournament, Andreescu will rise to 24th in the world with her first WTA title. When she finally converted her fourth match point she kissed the sun-baked court and flopped spread-eagled on her back. The 18-year-old shook off fatigue and rallied from a break down in the third set to topple the eighth-ranked German. "I was actually praying, like every point, because I started cramping at 5-4 and then… no, actually at 5-3 and then it was crazy," reacted Andreescu after his historic win. "I just prayed and then God did its stuff and then I managed to pull through," she added.

Naomi Osaka inspired Bianca Andreescu to claim Indian Wells title

The breakthrough run at the Indian Wells has propelled India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran to a career-high rank of 84 but injured Yuki Bhambri on Monday dropped out of top-200 for the first time in almost two years.&nbsp;

In the recently released ATP rankings, Prajnesh had collected 61 points after reaching the third round at the ATP Master series event, where he beat world number 18 Nikoloz Basilashvili to register the biggest win of his career.&nbsp;

The performance helped him zoom 13 places to his new career-best ranking.&nbsp;

He was followed by Ramkumar Ramanathan (139), who dropped three places.&nbsp;

Both of them will try to qualify for the singles main draw of the Miami Masters this week.&nbsp;

Yuki, who is nursing a knee injury, slid 36 places to 207. The last time the Delhi player was placed outside the top-200 bracket was in July 2017.

Yuki is probably the most unlucky Indian singles player, whose progress has been halted by one or other injury. Whenever he has managed to break the top-100 bracket, injuries forced him to be out of action.&nbsp;

Yuki told PTI that he will return to competitive action in May with protected ranking.&nbsp;

The next best in the singles chart were Saketh Myneni (251, -5) and Sasi Kumar Mukund (268, +2). Mukund did not figure in even top-400 five months back and has shown good progress in this time period.&nbsp;

In the doubles, left-handed Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan touched a new career-high of 64 and was third highest-ranked played of the country after Rohan Bopanna (36,+2) and Divij Sharan (41, -1).&nbsp;

Purav Raja (80, -1) and veteran Leander Paes (94, +2) complete the top-five.&nbsp;

In the WTA rankings, Ankita Raina continues to be India's top-ranked player at 168 (-2) and was followed by Karman Kaur Thandi, who jumped seven places to 203.&nbsp;

The breakthrough run at the Indian Wells has propelled India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran to a career-high rank of 84 but injured Yuki Bhambri on Monday dropped out of top-200 for the first time in almost two years.

The breakthrough run at the Indian Wells has propelled India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran to a career-high rank of 84 but injured Yuki Bhambri on Monday dropped out of top-200 for the first time in almost two years. In the recently released ATP rankings, Prajnesh had collected 61 points after reaching the third round at the ATP Master series event, where he beat world number 18 Nikoloz Basilashvili to register the biggest win of his career. The performance helped him zoom 13 places to his new career-best ranking. He was followed by Ramkumar Ramanathan (139), who dropped three places. Both of them will try to qualify for the singles main draw of the Miami Masters this week. Yuki, who is nursing a knee injury, slid 36 places to 207. The last time the Delhi player was placed outside the top-200 bracket was in July 2017. Yuki is probably the most unlucky Indian singles player, whose progress has been halted by one or other injury. Whenever he has managed to break the top-100 bracket, injuries forced him to be out of action. Yuki told PTI that he will return to competitive action in May with protected ranking. The next best in the singles chart were Saketh Myneni (251, -5) and Sasi Kumar Mukund (268, +2). Mukund did not figure in even top-400 five months back and has shown good progress in this time period. In the doubles, left-handed Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan touched a new career-high of 64 and was third highest-ranked played of the country after Rohan Bopanna (36,+2) and Divij Sharan (41, -1). Purav Raja (80, -1) and veteran Leander Paes (94, +2) complete the top-five. In the WTA rankings, Ankita Raina continues to be India's top-ranked player at 168 (-2) and was followed by Karman Kaur Thandi, who jumped seven places to 203.

Prajnesh Gunneswaran rises to career-high 84 post Indian Wells run

Dominic Thiem denied Roger Federer a record sixth Indian Wells title and 101st tournament victory as he defeated the former world number one in the summit clash.&nbsp;

Austrian tennis player <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-wells-dominic-thiem-beats-roger-federer-to-win-maiden-masters-title-203955">Thiem claimed his first Masters 1000 title</a> after coming from a set down to defeat Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in BNP Paribas Open on Sunday.&nbsp;

The 25-year-old Thiem fell on his back and covered his face with his hands when Federer netted on match point.&nbsp;

"I mean for me it's unreal," said Thiem after winning the match.&nbsp;

"I was in the whole match in the zone. I mean, I enjoyed every second of it and I think I had to get used to Roger (Federer) game because in the first set he was playing amazing and completely different than my opponents before in this tournament," Thiem said.&nbsp;

"I was struggling a little bit but then I was fighting my way into the match."

"I got also a little bit lucky when I saved his break point early in the second set and then I think it was a very good match until the end and the last games were amazing and of course I was a little bit on nerve to serve it out," he added.&nbsp;

Watch Thiem's reaction after winning the match:

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That feeling of winning your first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPMasters1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPMasters1000</a> title! 🏆 
 
Congrats on winning the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO19</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ThiemDomi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThiemDomi</a>! 👏 
 
Watch live streams on <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennisTV</a>. <a href="https://t.co/WJpWwCFZfX">pic.twitter.com/WJpWwCFZfX</a>
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATP_Tour/status/1107455229115551745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Thiem had lost in his previous two ATP Masters 1000 finals.

But the 25-year-old Austrian's solid serve held up against Federer as it had throughout the tournament.&nbsp;

Dominic Thiem denied Roger Federer a record sixth Indian Wells title and 101st tournament victory as he defeated the former world number one in the summit clash.

Dominic Thiem denied Roger Federer a record sixth Indian Wells title and 101st tournament victory as he defeated the former world number one in the summit clash. Austrian tennis player Thiem claimed his first Masters 1000 title after coming from a set down to defeat Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in BNP Paribas Open on Sunday. The 25-year-old Thiem fell on his back and covered his face with his hands when Federer netted on match point. "I mean for me it's unreal," said Thiem after winning the match. "I was in the whole match in the zone. I mean, I enjoyed every second of it and I think I had to get used to Roger (Federer) game because in the first set he was playing amazing and completely different than my opponents before in this tournament," Thiem said. "I was struggling a little bit but then I was fighting my way into the match." "I got also a little bit lucky when I saved his break point early in the second set and then I think it was a very good match until the end and the last games were amazing and of course I was a little bit on nerve to serve it out," he added. Watch Thiem's reaction after winning the match: That feeling of winning your first #ATPMasters1000 title! 🏆 Congrats on winning the #BNPPO19, @ThiemDomi! 👏 Watch live streams on @TennisTV. pic.twitter.com/WJpWwCFZfX — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) March 18, 2019 × Thiem had lost in his previous two ATP Masters 1000 finals. But the 25-year-old Austrian's solid serve held up against Federer as it had throughout the tournament.

'It is unreal,' says Dominic Thiem on beating Roger Federer in Indian Wells final

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal remained on course for a mouthwatering semi-final clash at the BNP Paribas Open with straightforward fourth-round victories in the California desert on Wednesday.

Federer needed just over an hour to dispatch Briton Kyle Edmund 6-1 6-4 in their first career meeting and reach the quarter-finals on a sunny and breezy day in Indian Wells.

Next up for the 20-times Grand Slam champion is another unknown quantity in Pole Hubert Hurkacz, who defeated Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov 7-6(3) 2-6 6-3 earlier in the day to set up his first career meeting with the Swiss Master.

Nadal, 17 times a Grand Slam winner, ruthlessly put an end to Serbian qualifier Filip Krajinovic's run at the tournament, converting three of his four break point opportunities to advance 6-3 6-4.

Neither Federer or Nadal have dropped a set in their three matches at Indian Wells, a tournament Federer has won five times and Nadal three.

In other fourth-round action, hard-hitting Canadian Milos Raonic saved all three of Jan-Lennard Struff's break point opportunities to down the German 6-4 6-3.

The 13th seed will square off against either France's Gael Monfils or Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal remained on course for a mouthwatering semi-final clash at the BNP Paribas Open with straightforward fourth-round victories in the California desert on Wednesday.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal remained on course for a mouthwatering semi-final clash at the BNP Paribas Open with straightforward fourth-round victories in the California desert on Wednesday. Federer needed just over an hour to dispatch Briton Kyle Edmund 6-1 6-4 in their first career meeting and reach the quarter-finals on a sunny and breezy day in Indian Wells. Next up for the 20-times Grand Slam champion is another unknown quantity in Pole Hubert Hurkacz, who defeated Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov 7-6(3) 2-6 6-3 earlier in the day to set up his first career meeting with the Swiss Master. Nadal, 17 times a Grand Slam winner, ruthlessly put an end to Serbian qualifier Filip Krajinovic's run at the tournament, converting three of his four break point opportunities to advance 6-3 6-4. Neither Federer or Nadal have dropped a set in their three matches at Indian Wells, a tournament Federer has won five times and Nadal three. In other fourth-round action, hard-hitting Canadian Milos Raonic saved all three of Jan-Lennard Struff's break point opportunities to down the German 6-4 6-3. The 13th seed will square off against either France's Gael Monfils or Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal roll into quarters at Indian Wells

Venus Williams fought back to down third seed Petra Kvitova 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 and reach the BNP Paribas Open third round on Saturday, while Naomi Osaka got her title defence off to a flying start with a straight sets win over Kristina Mladenovic.

World number one Osaka beat Mladenovic 6-3, 6-4, the win under the stadium court lights sweet revenge for the reigning US&nbsp;and Australian Open champion after she lost to the same opponent in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships first round last month.

Osaka said it was the first time she had felt the pressure of defending a title.

"I've never been a defending champion before so I was pretty nervous and I'm glad I got the win," the Japanese 21-year-old said.

American Williams, 38, turned back the clock in the final two sets at Indian Wells, dialling up the speed on her first serves and playing stout defence to seal a win that looked unlikely when she was down a double break in the second set.

The seven-times Grand Slam champion threw her arms in the air and let out a roar when Kvitova sent a ball long on match point -- the Czech's 56th unforced error of the day.

Williams tipped her hat to the two-times Wimbledon champion after the hard-fought contest.

"She has been playing so well and you never know what's going to come off her racket," a beaming Williams said in front of a fawning crowd as night fell on her native Southern California.

"I was just happy to have your energy to get pumped up. I just love the battle."

Earlier, another American, Madison Keys, blew a late lead to fall 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 to German Mona Barthel.

The 17th-seed had the match on her racket serving with a 5-4 lead in the third set but lost three straight games, including her final service game to love, allowing the unseeded Barthel to advance.

Next up for Barthel is a meeting with countrywoman Julia Gorges, who beat Estonian Kaia Kanepi 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 behind seven aces in an evening match.

Unheralded Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova upset former world number one Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 2-6, 7-5 in a battle that lasted nearly two-and-a-half hours in the evening session.

Alexandrova put her hands over her face in disbelief when Wozniacki was unable to return her serve on match point.

The 24-year-old will face Belinda Bencic in the third round on Monday after the Swiss cruised to a 6-4, 6-1 win earlier in the day.

Former world number one Angelique Kerber was nearly perfect en route to a 6-0, 6-2 dismantling of Yulia Putintseva, winning 93 per cent of her first service points under sunny skies.

The eighth seed will meet red-hot Russian Natalia Vikhlyantseva in the third round after the qualifier crushed Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2, 6-0.

Czech Karolina Pliskova, Latvian Anastasija Sevastova and Americans Danielle Collins and Christina McHale were among the other players who prevailed in their second-round matches on Saturday.

Venus Williams fought back to down third seed Petra Kvitova 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 and reach the BNP Paribas Open third round on Saturday, while Naomi Osaka got her title defence off to a flying start with a straight sets win over Kristina Mladenovic.

Venus Williams fought back to down third seed Petra Kvitova 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 and reach the BNP Paribas Open third round on Saturday, while Naomi Osaka got her title defence off to a flying start with a straight sets win over Kristina Mladenovic. World number one Osaka beat Mladenovic 6-3, 6-4, the win under the stadium court lights sweet revenge for the reigning US and Australian Open champion after she lost to the same opponent in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships first round last month. Osaka said it was the first time she had felt the pressure of defending a title. "I've never been a defending champion before so I was pretty nervous and I'm glad I got the win," the Japanese 21-year-old said. American Williams, 38, turned back the clock in the final two sets at Indian Wells, dialling up the speed on her first serves and playing stout defence to seal a win that looked unlikely when she was down a double break in the second set. The seven-times Grand Slam champion threw her arms in the air and let out a roar when Kvitova sent a ball long on match point -- the Czech's 56th unforced error of the day. Williams tipped her hat to the two-times Wimbledon champion after the hard-fought contest. "She has been playing so well and you never know what's going to come off her racket," a beaming Williams said in front of a fawning crowd as night fell on her native Southern California. "I was just happy to have your energy to get pumped up. I just love the battle." Earlier, another American, Madison Keys, blew a late lead to fall 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 to German Mona Barthel. The 17th-seed had the match on her racket serving with a 5-4 lead in the third set but lost three straight games, including her final service game to love, allowing the unseeded Barthel to advance. Next up for Barthel is a meeting with countrywoman Julia Gorges, who beat Estonian Kaia Kanepi 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 behind seven aces in an evening match. Unheralded Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova upset former world number one Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 2-6, 7-5 in a battle that lasted nearly two-and-a-half hours in the evening session. Alexandrova put her hands over her face in disbelief when Wozniacki was unable to return her serve on match point. The 24-year-old will face Belinda Bencic in the third round on Monday after the Swiss cruised to a 6-4, 6-1 win earlier in the day. Former world number one Angelique Kerber was nearly perfect en route to a 6-0, 6-2 dismantling of Yulia Putintseva, winning 93 per cent of her first service points under sunny skies. The eighth seed will meet red-hot Russian Natalia Vikhlyantseva in the third round after the qualifier crushed Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2, 6-0. Czech Karolina Pliskova, Latvian Anastasija Sevastova and Americans Danielle Collins and Christina McHale were among the other players who prevailed in their second-round matches on Saturday.

Venus Williams surges, defending champ Naomi Osaka nervous but wins at Indian Wells

Venus Williams played through illness to win a seesaw opening round match against German Andrea Petkovic 6-4 0-6 6-3 at the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday.

Williams, who received medical attention from a trainer late in the first set, saved her best tennis for the biggest moments, breaking Petkovic for a sixth time in the final game to make up for a dismal second set.

Asked in an on-court interview to describe the encounter, the 38-year-old former world number one was almost at a loss for words.

"I don't know honestly. I'm still trying to figure it out," she said to laughs from the crowd on a sunny and windy day in the California desert.

"Every day is not your best day but that doesn't mean the heart and desire aren't there."

Thursday's match was just Williams' seventh of the year and first since January's Australian Open, where she fell to Simona Halep in the round of 32.

The win sets up a mouthwatering second-round clash with third seed Petra Kvitova, who holds a 4-2 edge in their previous meetings.

Canadian Eugenie Bouchard also required medical attention during the second set of her closely-fought evening match against Kirsten Flipkens, where she fell 7-5 3-6 7-5 to the German.

It was unclear what the problem was with Bouchard, who held a towel to her face while trainers attended to her during a medical timeout. But she appeared fine after the break.

The marathon battle included fantastic points from both players but Flipkens was ultimately the sharper of the pair, smacking a forehand winner cross court on matchpoint to advance to the second round of the tournament for a fifth time.

In other first-round winners on Thursday included Estonian Kaia Kanepi, Japan's Misaki Doi, American Madison Brengle and Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Venus Williams played through illness to win a seesaw opening round match against German Andrea Petkovic 6-4 0-6 6-3 at the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday. Williams, who received medical attention from a trainer late in the first set, saved her best tennis for the biggest moments, breaking Petkovic for a sixth time in the final game to make up for a dismal second set.

Venus Williams played through illness to win a seesaw opening round match against German Andrea Petkovic 6-4 0-6 6-3 at the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday. Williams, who received medical attention from a trainer late in the first set, saved her best tennis for the biggest moments, breaking Petkovic for a sixth time in the final game to make up for a dismal second set. Asked in an on-court interview to describe the encounter, the 38-year-old former world number one was almost at a loss for words. "I don't know honestly. I'm still trying to figure it out," she said to laughs from the crowd on a sunny and windy day in the California desert. "Every day is not your best day but that doesn't mean the heart and desire aren't there." Thursday's match was just Williams' seventh of the year and first since January's Australian Open, where she fell to Simona Halep in the round of 32. The win sets up a mouthwatering second-round clash with third seed Petra Kvitova, who holds a 4-2 edge in their previous meetings. Canadian Eugenie Bouchard also required medical attention during the second set of her closely-fought evening match against Kirsten Flipkens, where she fell 7-5 3-6 7-5 to the German. It was unclear what the problem was with Bouchard, who held a towel to her face while trainers attended to her during a medical timeout. But she appeared fine after the break. The marathon battle included fantastic points from both players but Flipkens was ultimately the sharper of the pair, smacking a forehand winner cross court on matchpoint to advance to the second round of the tournament for a fifth time. In other first-round winners on Thursday included Estonian Kaia Kanepi, Japan's Misaki Doi, American Madison Brengle and Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Venus Williams overcomes illness to advance at Indian Wells

Roger Federer is looking forward to having more freedom and more time with his family when he eventually leaves behind the sport he has dominated, the Swiss master said on Wednesday.

The evergreen veteran won his landmark 100th career title in Dubai during the weekend but told reporters that while he is not yet ready to hang up the racquet, he can see himself enjoying his post-career life.

"I want to keep it as flexible as possible when it is all said and done," the 37-year-old Swiss said at a press conference at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

"My priority will always be, as it is now, my family, my kids and my wife. I just want to have enough flexibility in our lives to decide how much is too much, how much is not enough, and how much is good for everybody."

He said his wife Mirka has kept up ties with some close friends amid his hectic travel schedule and he plans to engage more fully with that group after quitting playing.

"From that standpoint I'm really looking forward to that moment when it comes about," he said.

Another post-career priority will be his foundation, which supports children's education programs around the world.

"The foundation will only continue to grow in terms of time that I am going to be putting into it but then again, how much more time remains to be seen," he said.

"But I cannot sit still. I always want to travel and I always want to do stuff but there's a way to go about it and to prioritize."

Federer acknowledged that he is the face of the sport and said while he tries to be the best ambassador for it, he also needs to think about himself sometimes.

"If I can make the game more popular, if the fans can enjoy the sport more through me and you guys like to talk to me, that's great," the 20-times Grand Slam singles champion told reporters.

"In the end I want to be happy and please people. But I know and can't please everybody and if that's my goal, I will forever be unhappy."

Federer, who is a five-time champion at Indian Wells and made the final last year, will face either Peter Gojowczyk or Andreas Seppi in his first match of the tournament on Friday.

Roger Federer is looking forward to having more freedom and more time with his family when he eventually leaves behind the sport he has dominated, the Swiss master said on Wednesday.

Roger Federer is looking forward to having more freedom and more time with his family when he eventually leaves behind the sport he has dominated, the Swiss master said on Wednesday. The evergreen veteran won his landmark 100th career title in Dubai during the weekend but told reporters that while he is not yet ready to hang up the racquet, he can see himself enjoying his post-career life. "I want to keep it as flexible as possible when it is all said and done," the 37-year-old Swiss said at a press conference at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. "My priority will always be, as it is now, my family, my kids and my wife. I just want to have enough flexibility in our lives to decide how much is too much, how much is not enough, and how much is good for everybody." He said his wife Mirka has kept up ties with some close friends amid his hectic travel schedule and he plans to engage more fully with that group after quitting playing. "From that standpoint I'm really looking forward to that moment when it comes about," he said. Another post-career priority will be his foundation, which supports children's education programs around the world. "The foundation will only continue to grow in terms of time that I am going to be putting into it but then again, how much more time remains to be seen," he said. "But I cannot sit still. I always want to travel and I always want to do stuff but there's a way to go about it and to prioritize." Federer acknowledged that he is the face of the sport and said while he tries to be the best ambassador for it, he also needs to think about himself sometimes. "If I can make the game more popular, if the fans can enjoy the sport more through me and you guys like to talk to me, that's great," the 20-times Grand Slam singles champion told reporters. "In the end I want to be happy and please people. But I know and can't please everybody and if that's my goal, I will forever be unhappy." Federer, who is a five-time champion at Indian Wells and made the final last year, will face either Peter Gojowczyk or Andreas Seppi in his first match of the tournament on Friday.

Family will remain priority post retirement, says Roger Federer

A year after returning from break, Serena Williams was handed a tough draw at the BNP Paribas Open.

The 23-time major champion could end up facing former World number one Victoria Azarenka in a second-round match, as the full draw was revealed on Monday.

Number ten seed Williams was drawn into the same quarter of the draw as number four seed Sloane Stephens and number seven seed Kiki Bertens in the bottom half, and she will face either Azarenka or Vera Lapko after an opening-round match.

Azarenka has already the upper hand over Williams and she defeated her in the finals of the 2016 tournament.

Williams is up for an uphill task as even if she manages to win her second-round match, she could end up facing number 20 seed and two-time major champion Garbine Muguruza.In other quarters of the second half, number two seed Simona Halep will face the winner of Barbora Strycova or a qualifier first up.

On the top half of the draw, a rematch of the recent loss looms over the defending champion and top seed Naomi Osaka.

She will face either Kristina Mladenovic or Zheng Saisai in her first match at the tournament this year.&nbsp;

A year after returning from break, Serena Williams was handed a tough draw at the BNP Paribas Open. The 23-time major champion could end up facing former World number one Victoria Azarenka in a second-round match, as the full draw was revealed on Monday.

A year after returning from break, Serena Williams was handed a tough draw at the BNP Paribas Open. The 23-time major champion could end up facing former World number one Victoria Azarenka in a second-round match, as the full draw was revealed on Monday. Number ten seed Williams was drawn into the same quarter of the draw as number four seed Sloane Stephens and number seven seed Kiki Bertens in the bottom half, and she will face either Azarenka or Vera Lapko after an opening-round match. Azarenka has already the upper hand over Williams and she defeated her in the finals of the 2016 tournament. Williams is up for an uphill task as even if she manages to win her second-round match, she could end up facing number 20 seed and two-time major champion Garbine Muguruza.In other quarters of the second half, number two seed Simona Halep will face the winner of Barbora Strycova or a qualifier first up. On the top half of the draw, a rematch of the recent loss looms over the defending champion and top seed Naomi Osaka. She will face either Kristina Mladenovic or Zheng Saisai in her first match at the tournament this year.

Serena Williams handed tough draw in Paribas Open

Former world number two Tommy Haas officially announced his retirement from tennis at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Thursday, ending a career that spanned more than two decades.

The 39-year-old German, a tournament director at the event, announced his decision in an emotional speech shortly after his close friend Roger Federer`s quarter-final victory over South Korea`s Chung Hyeon.

&quot;I consider myself extremely fortunate that I was able play professional tennis for a living for more than two decades,&quot; Haas said to an appreciative crowd that included retired greats Rod Laver and Pete Sampras.

&quot;The sport gave me cherished friendships, an ability to travel the world, and opportunities to create incredible memories. It also taught me a lot about what it means to face challenges, battle back, and overcome them.

&quot;To my parents, family, wife and children, thank you for all the love and support that you gave me over the years. And, to the fans, thank you for cheering me on throughout my career.&quot;

The German won 15 titles on the ATP Tour, the last two coming in 2013 when he triumphed in Munich and Vienna. He reached a career-high ranking of number two in 2002 and made a total of 28 final appearances.

Haas, who turned professional in 1996, reached the Australian Open semi-finals three times -- in 1999, 2002 and 2007 -- as well as the last-four at Wimbledon in 2009.

A tough fighter who always bounced back from injury adversity, Haas underwent a total of nine surgeries in his career and won ATP Comeback Player of the Year awards in 2004 and 2012.

Haas, who won the silver medal for Germany at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, finishes his career with 569 wins -- the last of which was a memorable victory over Federer at Stuttgart last year.

Haas' career has spanned more than two decades

Former world number two Tommy Haas officially announced his retirement from tennis at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Thursday, ending a career that spanned more than two decades. The 39-year-old German, a tournament director at the event, announced his decision in an emotional speech shortly after his close friend Roger Federer`s quarter-final victory over South Korea`s Chung Hyeon. "I consider myself extremely fortunate that I was able play professional tennis for a living for more than two decades," Haas said to an appreciative crowd that included retired greats Rod Laver and Pete Sampras. "The sport gave me cherished friendships, an ability to travel the world, and opportunities to create incredible memories. It also taught me a lot about what it means to face challenges, battle back, and overcome them. "To my parents, family, wife and children, thank you for all the love and support that you gave me over the years. And, to the fans, thank you for cheering me on throughout my career." The German won 15 titles on the ATP Tour, the last two coming in 2013 when he triumphed in Munich and Vienna. He reached a career-high ranking of number two in 2002 and made a total of 28 final appearances. Haas, who turned professional in 1996, reached the Australian Open semi-finals three times -- in 1999, 2002 and 2007 -- as well as the last-four at Wimbledon in 2009. A tough fighter who always bounced back from injury adversity, Haas underwent a total of nine surgeries in his career and won ATP Comeback Player of the Year awards in 2004 and 2012. Haas, who won the silver medal for Germany at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, finishes his career with 569 wins -- the last of which was a memorable victory over Federer at Stuttgart last year.

Tommy Haas announces retirement from tennis

Serena Williams&#39;&nbsp;return to the Women&#39;s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour following the birth of her first child will be the &quot;greatest challenge&quot; of her career, but the American can get back to her best in time for the French Open, according to her coach Patrick Mouratoglou.&quot;

Williams, who won her 23rd grand slam title at last year&#39;s Australian Open before going on maternity leave, pulled out of this year`s tournament in Melbourne.

She represented the United States in a Fed Cup doubles match last month and is scheduled to take part in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells this week.

Asked if her latest comeback represented the biggest test of her career, Mouratoglou said: &quot;It probably is... now she is 36, just had a child, a second blood clot, has gone more than a year without any competition. I think we can say without a doubt that this is her biggest challenge.&quot;

Former world number one Williams, who returned in 2012 from surgery for a life-threatening blood clot on her lung and climbed back to the top of the rankings, said she almost died after giving birth to her daughter in September.

Mouratoglou said fans had to give Williams time to adjust to the rigors of the sport.

&quot;I think she`ll be ready for Roland Garros. The competitions she will play until then will help her and every day she progresses on her fitness,&quot; he told the Women&#39;s Tennis Association website

&quot;Serena&#39;s target will be to win grand slams. She knows that coming back might take some time, but her level of expectation is high as always. There are three grand slams left this season. They will be her three main goals for 2018.&quot;

Serena William returns to her sport after giving birth to her daughter in September, coach Mouratoglou calls this her biggest challenge

Serena Williams' return to the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour following the birth of her first child will be the "greatest challenge" of her career, but the American can get back to her best in time for the French Open, according to her coach Patrick Mouratoglou." Williams, who won her 23rd grand slam title at last year's Australian Open before going on maternity leave, pulled out of this year`s tournament in Melbourne. She represented the United States in a Fed Cup doubles match last month and is scheduled to take part in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells this week. Asked if her latest comeback represented the biggest test of her career, Mouratoglou said: "It probably is... now she is 36, just had a child, a second blood clot, has gone more than a year without any competition. I think we can say without a doubt that this is her biggest challenge." Former world number one Williams, who returned in 2012 from surgery for a life-threatening blood clot on her lung and climbed back to the top of the rankings, said she almost died after giving birth to her daughter in September. Mouratoglou said fans had to give Williams time to adjust to the rigors of the sport. "I think she`ll be ready for Roland Garros. The competitions she will play until then will help her and every day she progresses on her fitness," he told the Women's Tennis Association website "Serena's target will be to win grand slams. She knows that coming back might take some time, but her level of expectation is high as always. There are three grand slams left this season. They will be her three main goals for 2018."

Tennis: Serena's comeback her greatest challenge, says coach Mouratoglou

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