Serena Williams says she is still traumatized by an experience at Indian Wells in 2001 when she was booed by the crowd after accusations she reached the final after her father, Richard, pulled sister Venus out of their semi-final clash.

Venus pulled out just before their semi-final match citing tendonitis - a day after Russian player Elena Dementieva said Richard Williams would "decide who's going to win" - allowing Serena to advance and play Belgian Kim Clijsters in the final the following day.

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The crowd of nearly 16,000 fans booed 19-year-old Serena as well as Venus and Richard when they took their seats. Although Serena came from behind to win the title in three sets, she said she was in no mood to celebrate.

"I remember I was playing this infamous match at Indian Wells ... That was a rough one for me," Serena, 40, told Will Smith in a Red Table Talk interview ahead of the release of "King Richard" - a film about their father.

"It was so hard. I'll never forget driving back ... I remember just getting in the car and I was just bawling. I was at the gas station, there was no celebration and I was just crying and crying and crying."

Serena did not return the following year to defend her title at the tournament that is sometimes called the "fifth major", with the American boycotting the event until 2015.

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"Even when I went back 14 years later, it was very traumatizing," said Serena, a 23-times Grand Slam champion.

"Talk about post-traumatic stress and mental anxiety. I remember sitting in the bathroom thinking, 'Wait, I'm not going to go back. I just don't think I should do this. What if they start booing again?'&nbsp;It was really hard for me." 
&nbsp;

Serena Williams says she is still traumatized by an experience at Indian Wells in 2001 when she was booed by the crowd after accusations she reached the final after her father, Richard, pulled sister Venus out of their semi-final clash.

Serena Williams says she is still traumatized by an experience at Indian Wells in 2001 when she was booed by the crowd after accusations she reached the final after her father, Richard, pulled sister Venus out of their semi-final clash. Venus pulled out just before their semi-final match citing tendonitis - a day after Russian player Elena Dementieva said Richard Williams would "decide who's going to win" - allowing Serena to advance and play Belgian Kim Clijsters in the final the following day. ALSO READ: Roger Federer is very important for our sport, says Novak Djokovic The crowd of nearly 16,000 fans booed 19-year-old Serena as well as Venus and Richard when they took their seats. Although Serena came from behind to win the title in three sets, she said she was in no mood to celebrate. "I remember I was playing this infamous match at Indian Wells ... That was a rough one for me," Serena, 40, told Will Smith in a Red Table Talk interview ahead of the release of "King Richard" - a film about their father. "It was so hard. I'll never forget driving back ... I remember just getting in the car and I was just bawling. I was at the gas station, there was no celebration and I was just crying and crying and crying." Serena did not return the following year to defend her title at the tournament that is sometimes called the "fifth major", with the American boycotting the event until 2015. ALSO READ: ATP Finals: 'Fresher' Novak Djokovic sets eyes on Roger Federer's record of six end-of-season titles "Even when I went back 14 years later, it was very traumatizing," said Serena, a 23-times Grand Slam champion. "Talk about post-traumatic stress and mental anxiety. I remember sitting in the bathroom thinking, 'Wait, I'm not going to go back. I just don't think I should do this. What if they start booing again?' It was really hard for me."

Serena Williams still carries trauma of 2001 Indian Wells jeers

Paula Badosa survived a stiff challenge from Victoria Azarenka to produce a gutsy 7-6(5) 2-6 7-6(2) win in an epic Indian Wells championship match on Sunday.

Azarenka was two points from winning the tournament for a third time and serving at 5-4 in the decider when her game began to unravel behind a series of uncharacteristic errors.

Badosa took advantage of the shift in momentum and held her nerve in the final tiebreaker, firing a crosscourt forehand winner on championship point and falling to the court in joy at the end of the more than three-hour battle.

The 23-year-old Badosa praised WTA Tour veteran and two-time major champion Azarenka, who she said she had admired since she was a teenager.

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"I remember saying to my coach that I hope one day I can play like her," Badosa said after receiving the championship trophy.

"Thank you for inspiring me so much. Athletes like you and women like you, I wouldn`t be here without you. Really."

Badosa also thanked her family in Spain for their support as she overcame injuries and mental health struggles in recent years to win the biggest title of her career.

"I know they are watching. I want to say thanks for helping me every day and getting me through the bad moment. This is a dream come true," she said.

With the win, Badosa becomes the first Spanish woman to win the tournament in the California desert and will move to a career high world number 13 on Monday.

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The tournament, which is sometimes called the fifth major, was not held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was pushed back from March to October this year due to the global health crisis.

"Very well deserved match. I had a lot of fun playing out here," Azarenka said.

The Belarusian also praised the crowd, which backed her at key moments in the match.

"Thanks to all you guys for your support. It is really special to play in front of the crowd after such a long break.

"Thank you for all your energy this week." 
&nbsp;

Paula Badosa survived a stiff challenge from Victoria Azarenka to produce a gutsy 7-6(5) 2-6 7-6(2) win in an epic Indian Wells championship match on Sunday. Azarenka was two points from winning the tournament for a third time and serving at 5-4 in the decider when her game began to unravel behind a series of uncharacteristic errors.

Paula Badosa survived a stiff challenge from Victoria Azarenka to produce a gutsy 7-6(5) 2-6 7-6(2) win in an epic Indian Wells championship match on Sunday. Azarenka was two points from winning the tournament for a third time and serving at 5-4 in the decider when her game began to unravel behind a series of uncharacteristic errors. Badosa took advantage of the shift in momentum and held her nerve in the final tiebreaker, firing a crosscourt forehand winner on championship point and falling to the court in joy at the end of the more than three-hour battle. The 23-year-old Badosa praised WTA Tour veteran and two-time major champion Azarenka, who she said she had admired since she was a teenager. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Cameron Norrie sets up final against Nikoloz Basilashvili after beating Grigor Dimitrov "I remember saying to my coach that I hope one day I can play like her," Badosa said after receiving the championship trophy. "Thank you for inspiring me so much. Athletes like you and women like you, I wouldn`t be here without you. Really." Badosa also thanked her family in Spain for their support as she overcame injuries and mental health struggles in recent years to win the biggest title of her career. "I know they are watching. I want to say thanks for helping me every day and getting me through the bad moment. This is a dream come true," she said. With the win, Badosa becomes the first Spanish woman to win the tournament in the California desert and will move to a career high world number 13 on Monday. ALSO READ: US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd The tournament, which is sometimes called the fifth major, was not held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was pushed back from March to October this year due to the global health crisis. "Very well deserved match. I had a lot of fun playing out here," Azarenka said. The Belarusian also praised the crowd, which backed her at key moments in the match. "Thanks to all you guys for your support. It is really special to play in front of the crowd after such a long break. "Thank you for all your energy this week."

Indian Wells: Paula Badosa ousts Victoria Azarenka in epic final to claim Indian Wells title

Cameron Norrie battled back to defeat Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6 6-4 6-1 in the Indian Wells final on Sunday, becoming the first British man to win the Masters 1000 tournament.

It appeared an upset was in the works when the hard-hitting Basilashvili quickly took the first set but Norrie regrouped in the second, breaking the Georgian at love to force a decider.

In the third set, the left-handed Norrie broke early and saved three break points to take a 3-0 lead as unforced errors began to pile up for Basilashvili under the lights in the Southern California desert.

Norrie sealed the biggest win of his career when Basilashvili sent a forehand long on championship point.

"What can I say? Obviously, I`m so happy. It`s my biggest title so I can't really describe it right now," said Norrie, who was playing in his sixth final of his breakout year.

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Britain's Andy Murray, Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski have all played in the men`s finals at Indian Wells but finished runner-up.

The 26-year-old Norrie, born in South Africa to a Scottish father and Welsh mother, won his first ATP singles title at Mexico`s Los Cabos Open in July.

Norrie has shown steady improvement all year and expertly executed his strategy of forcing Basilashvili into long rallies in the final, giving himself the opportunity to dictate points from the baseline.

He congratulated Basilashvili on his outstanding tournament, where the 29-year-old stunned world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals and American Taylor Fritz in the semis.

"I'm sorry it went my way. You deserved it just as much as I did," Norrie said.

"Well done to you and your team on a great week."

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Basilashvili said he was disappointed in the outcome but looked forward to returning to the event, which is sometimes referred to as the fifth major.

The tournament was not held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was pushed from March to October this year because of the global health crisis.

It will return to its regular March date on the sports calendar next year.

"I was hoping to get a title, but it`s okay," Basilashvili said.

"I will move on and I hope that I`ll come back here in March and play better tennis."

Norrie's breakthrough win comes on the heels of British teenager Emma Raducanu`s stunning triumph at the U.S. Open last month.

Earlier in the day, the tournament crowned its first female champion from Spain when Paula Badosa came out on the winning side of a three-set thriller against Victoria Azarenka to claim the biggest title of her career. 
&nbsp;

Cameron Norrie battled back to defeat Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6 6-4 6-1 in the Indian Wells final on Sunday, becoming the first British man to win the Masters 1000 tournament.

Cameron Norrie battled back to defeat Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6 6-4 6-1 in the Indian Wells final on Sunday, becoming the first British man to win the Masters 1000 tournament. It appeared an upset was in the works when the hard-hitting Basilashvili quickly took the first set but Norrie regrouped in the second, breaking the Georgian at love to force a decider. In the third set, the left-handed Norrie broke early and saved three break points to take a 3-0 lead as unforced errors began to pile up for Basilashvili under the lights in the Southern California desert. Norrie sealed the biggest win of his career when Basilashvili sent a forehand long on championship point. "What can I say? Obviously, I`m so happy. It`s my biggest title so I can't really describe it right now," said Norrie, who was playing in his sixth final of his breakout year. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Cameron Norrie sets up final against Nikoloz Basilashvili after beating Grigor Dimitrov Britain's Andy Murray, Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski have all played in the men`s finals at Indian Wells but finished runner-up. The 26-year-old Norrie, born in South Africa to a Scottish father and Welsh mother, won his first ATP singles title at Mexico`s Los Cabos Open in July. Norrie has shown steady improvement all year and expertly executed his strategy of forcing Basilashvili into long rallies in the final, giving himself the opportunity to dictate points from the baseline. He congratulated Basilashvili on his outstanding tournament, where the 29-year-old stunned world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals and American Taylor Fritz in the semis. "I'm sorry it went my way. You deserved it just as much as I did," Norrie said. "Well done to you and your team on a great week." ALSO READ: US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd Basilashvili said he was disappointed in the outcome but looked forward to returning to the event, which is sometimes referred to as the fifth major. The tournament was not held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was pushed from March to October this year because of the global health crisis. It will return to its regular March date on the sports calendar next year. "I was hoping to get a title, but it`s okay," Basilashvili said. "I will move on and I hope that I`ll come back here in March and play better tennis." Norrie's breakthrough win comes on the heels of British teenager Emma Raducanu`s stunning triumph at the U.S. Open last month. Earlier in the day, the tournament crowned its first female champion from Spain when Paula Badosa came out on the winning side of a three-set thriller against Victoria Azarenka to claim the biggest title of her career.

Indian Wells: British breakthrough as Cameron Norrie wins Indian Wells title

Cameron Norrie produced a dominant performance to beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-4 on Saturday to advance to the final at Indian Wells, where he will face Nikoloz Basilashvili after the Georgian edged Taylor Fritz 7-6(5) 6-3.

Sunday`s match will be Norrie`s sixth showpiece match of the year and first at a Masters 1000 event as the Briton`s breakout season continues.

Norrie raced out to a 4-0 lead and wrapped up the first set in just 31 minutes with a service winner.

Dimitrov attempted to mount a comeback in the second set but after notching impressive come-from-behind victories over Hubert Hurkacz and Daniil Medvedev in his previous two matches, the Bulgarian appeared to run out of gas on a hot day in the California desert.

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Norrie, who won his first ATP title at the Los Cabos Open earlier this year, held his nerve to serve out the match and sealed the win when Dimitrov netted a service return.

"I`ve made a conscious decision to be more aggressive in the bigger moments and taking it to the guys," Norrie said after collecting the biggest win of his career.

"I`m not a guy who is going to blow you off the court and hit a lot of winners. So I like to get into the longer rallies and make the match physical. And when it`s like that, it`s on my terms."

With the win, Norrie will break into the top 20 for the first time when rankings are updated on Monday.

The other semifinal of the day was a slugfest that pitted Basilashvili`s booming forehand against Fritz`s potent serve.

San Diego native Fritz had the support of the crowd but came up short in the match`s biggest moments, failing to convert any of his seven break-point opportunities, including three in the opener that would have won him the set.

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Basilashvili made the most of his lone break opportunity, crushing a service return that Fritz could not handle to take a 4-2 lead in the second that he would not relinquish despite needing four match points to reach the finish line.

Norrie beat Basilashvili comfortably in their only other meeting, and the 26-year-old lefty will be the favorite on Sunday.

The tournament was not held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was pushed back from March to October this year due to the global health crisis. 
&nbsp;

Cameron Norrie produced a dominant performance to beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-4 on Saturday to advance to the final at Indian Wells, where he will face Nikoloz Basilashvili after the Georgian edged Taylor Fritz 7-6(5) 6-3.

Cameron Norrie produced a dominant performance to beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-4 on Saturday to advance to the final at Indian Wells, where he will face Nikoloz Basilashvili after the Georgian edged Taylor Fritz 7-6(5) 6-3. Sunday`s match will be Norrie`s sixth showpiece match of the year and first at a Masters 1000 event as the Briton`s breakout season continues. Norrie raced out to a 4-0 lead and wrapped up the first set in just 31 minutes with a service winner. Dimitrov attempted to mount a comeback in the second set but after notching impressive come-from-behind victories over Hubert Hurkacz and Daniil Medvedev in his previous two matches, the Bulgarian appeared to run out of gas on a hot day in the California desert. ALSO READ: US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd Norrie, who won his first ATP title at the Los Cabos Open earlier this year, held his nerve to serve out the match and sealed the win when Dimitrov netted a service return. "I`ve made a conscious decision to be more aggressive in the bigger moments and taking it to the guys," Norrie said after collecting the biggest win of his career. "I`m not a guy who is going to blow you off the court and hit a lot of winners. So I like to get into the longer rallies and make the match physical. And when it`s like that, it`s on my terms." With the win, Norrie will break into the top 20 for the first time when rankings are updated on Monday. The other semifinal of the day was a slugfest that pitted Basilashvili`s booming forehand against Fritz`s potent serve. San Diego native Fritz had the support of the crowd but came up short in the match`s biggest moments, failing to convert any of his seven break-point opportunities, including three in the opener that would have won him the set. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov bow out after losing to Andrey Rublev-Aslan Karatsev in quarters Basilashvili made the most of his lone break opportunity, crushing a service return that Fritz could not handle to take a 4-2 lead in the second that he would not relinquish despite needing four match points to reach the finish line. Norrie beat Basilashvili comfortably in their only other meeting, and the 26-year-old lefty will be the favorite on Sunday. The tournament was not held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was pushed back from March to October this year due to the global health crisis.

Indian Wells: Cameron Norrie sets up final against Nikoloz Basilashvili after beating Grigor Dimitrov

American Taylor Fritz came back from the verge of defeat and saved two match points before going on to stun World No. 4 Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open, making it to his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final. 
 
The 23-year-old American continued his dream run, rallying from 2-5 down in the decider and saved two match points at 3-5, 30/40 and 4-5, 30/40 to upset Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) after two hours and 22 minutes. Fritz thus earned the second Top-5 win of his career to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final. 
 
"I was really down and out but I found a way to put myself into it," Fritz said in his on-court interview. 
 
"I really wanted to make him have to close me out and I was able to get back into the match. Normally you would be so nervous in those situations and in the third set tie-break, but I felt so confident being aggressive, going after my game. It feels really great to play well with the pressure on," he was quoted as saying in a report on the official website of ATP Tour. 
 
The 31st seed, who recorded straight-set wins over ATP Finals hopefuls Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner en route to his maiden Masters 1000 quarter-final, played aggressive tennis against Zverev, firing 36 winners to advance.

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Fritz now trails Zverev 2-3 in head-to-head on ATP tour and will face Nikoloz Basilashvili in the last four after the Georgian overcame second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to reach his maiden Masters 1000 semi-final. 
 
"The biggest thing was match point down, I wanted to make him serve it out, so I just fought as hard as I could to hold that game," Fritz said. "Then I got fortunate in his service game and from there I felt in control and felt really good under the pressure. 
 
"It is amazing. Especially the way that match ended with such high emotions with the crowd. The crowd was amazing and it is a dream come true," he said. 
 
After losing the first set, Fritz changed his tactics in the second set and started to play aggressively as he blasted 13 winners, overpowering Zverev to march 4-1 ahead. After Fritz sealed the set on his serve, Zverev regained momentum in the decider as he continued to soak up the 31st seed`s power. The American`s level slightly dipped in the third set and after Zverev broke early, he was able to put his foot down and roared into a 5-2 lead. 
 
However, the German`s second serve abandoned him when he was trying to serve out the match. Zverev struck two double faults as Fritz broke back. After moving to a tie-break, the American found his best tennis to prevail in a tight match. 
 
Earlier, Basilashvili too sprung a surprise on Friday, earning the biggest win of his career with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 upset of World No. 3 Tsitsipas to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final. Bulgaria`s Grigor Dimitrov will take on Cameron Norrie of Great Britain in the other semi-final. 
 
The Georgian was competing in his maiden Masters 1000 quarter-final and produced an impressive performance as he caused Tsitsipas problems from the baseline with his powerful groundstrokes, raising his level in the third set to advance after two hours and nine minutes.

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In a lively first set, Basilashvili made a fast start as he broke in the opening game, causing Tsitsipas problems with his powerful groundstrokes. The Georgian controlled the tempo of the match, notching 14 winners in the first set as Tsitsipas struggled to find his rhythm from the baseline. 
 
However, the Greek began to gain momentum in the second set as he dominated the longer rallies. The 23-year-old did not face a breakpoint on his serve as he levelled. 
 
After breaks were exchanged in the third set, Basilashvili produced a strong return game and was gifted the lead when Tsitsipas double-faulted on break to move 4-3 ahead. From there, the Georgian kept his composure, fending off pressure from Tsitsipas to hold serve twice to advance. 
 
Tsitsipas was aiming to reach his third consecutive Masters 1000 semi-final in North America, having enjoyed a run to the last four in Toronto and Cincinnati. The Monte-Carlo champion has earned a tour-leading 54 victories this season.

American Taylor Fritz came back from the verge of defeat and saved two match points before going on to stun World No. 4 Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open, making it to his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.

American Taylor Fritz came back from the verge of defeat and saved two match points before going on to stun World No. 4 Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open, making it to his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final. The 23-year-old American continued his dream run, rallying from 2-5 down in the decider and saved two match points at 3-5, 30/40 and 4-5, 30/40 to upset Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) after two hours and 22 minutes. Fritz thus earned the second Top-5 win of his career to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final. "I was really down and out but I found a way to put myself into it," Fritz said in his on-court interview. "I really wanted to make him have to close me out and I was able to get back into the match. Normally you would be so nervous in those situations and in the third set tie-break, but I felt so confident being aggressive, going after my game. It feels really great to play well with the pressure on," he was quoted as saying in a report on the official website of ATP Tour. The 31st seed, who recorded straight-set wins over ATP Finals hopefuls Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner en route to his maiden Masters 1000 quarter-final, played aggressive tennis against Zverev, firing 36 winners to advance. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov bow out after losing to Andrey Rublev-Aslan Karatsev in quarters Fritz now trails Zverev 2-3 in head-to-head on ATP tour and will face Nikoloz Basilashvili in the last four after the Georgian overcame second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to reach his maiden Masters 1000 semi-final. "The biggest thing was match point down, I wanted to make him serve it out, so I just fought as hard as I could to hold that game," Fritz said. "Then I got fortunate in his service game and from there I felt in control and felt really good under the pressure. "It is amazing. Especially the way that match ended with such high emotions with the crowd. The crowd was amazing and it is a dream come true," he said. After losing the first set, Fritz changed his tactics in the second set and started to play aggressively as he blasted 13 winners, overpowering Zverev to march 4-1 ahead. After Fritz sealed the set on his serve, Zverev regained momentum in the decider as he continued to soak up the 31st seed`s power. The American`s level slightly dipped in the third set and after Zverev broke early, he was able to put his foot down and roared into a 5-2 lead. However, the German`s second serve abandoned him when he was trying to serve out the match. Zverev struck two double faults as Fritz broke back. After moving to a tie-break, the American found his best tennis to prevail in a tight match. Earlier, Basilashvili too sprung a surprise on Friday, earning the biggest win of his career with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 upset of World No. 3 Tsitsipas to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final. Bulgaria`s Grigor Dimitrov will take on Cameron Norrie of Great Britain in the other semi-final. The Georgian was competing in his maiden Masters 1000 quarter-final and produced an impressive performance as he caused Tsitsipas problems from the baseline with his powerful groundstrokes, raising his level in the third set to advance after two hours and nine minutes. ALSO READ: US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd In a lively first set, Basilashvili made a fast start as he broke in the opening game, causing Tsitsipas problems with his powerful groundstrokes. The Georgian controlled the tempo of the match, notching 14 winners in the first set as Tsitsipas struggled to find his rhythm from the baseline. However, the Greek began to gain momentum in the second set as he dominated the longer rallies. The 23-year-old did not face a breakpoint on his serve as he levelled. After breaks were exchanged in the third set, Basilashvili produced a strong return game and was gifted the lead when Tsitsipas double-faulted on break to move 4-3 ahead. From there, the Georgian kept his composure, fending off pressure from Tsitsipas to hold serve twice to advance. Tsitsipas was aiming to reach his third consecutive Masters 1000 semi-final in North America, having enjoyed a run to the last four in Toronto and Cincinnati. The Monte-Carlo champion has earned a tour-leading 54 victories this season.

Indian Wells: Taylor Fritz saves two match points to stun Alexander Zverev, enters semi-finals

Rohan Bopanna and Denis Shapovalov bowed out of BNP Paribas Open on Thursday after losing in straight sets against Aslan Karatsev and Andrey Rublev in a late-night clash at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

With this win, the Russian pair cruised into their maiden ATP Masters 1000 doubles semi-final after taking down the Indo-Canadian duo.

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The Russians, in only their third tournament together, proved too strong for the duo of Bopanna-Shapovalov as they won 6-4, 6-4. Champions already this year in Doha, they are now 7-1 as a partnership and will face the unseeded Tim Puetz and Michael Venus for a place in their second tour-level final this season.

Both pairs had been rock solid on serve to 4-all in the opening set before the first cracks appeared as Shapovalov was broken on a third break point. Karatsev duly capitalised and served it out at the 30-minute mark as the Russians finished the first set with a perfect 18/18 on first-serve points.

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Consolidation proved a struggle in the second set as the pairs traded five breaks in seven games before Karatsev raised his level to hold for 5-3. While they missed four match points on Shapovalov`s serve, the Russians advanced a game later at the 67-minute mark.&nbsp;

Rohan Bopanna and Denis Shapovalov bowed out of BNP Paribas Open on Thursday after losing in straight sets against Aslan Karatsev and Andrey Rublev in a late-night clash at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Rohan Bopanna and Denis Shapovalov bowed out of BNP Paribas Open on Thursday after losing in straight sets against Aslan Karatsev and Andrey Rublev in a late-night clash at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. With this win, the Russian pair cruised into their maiden ATP Masters 1000 doubles semi-final after taking down the Indo-Canadian duo. ALSO READ: US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd The Russians, in only their third tournament together, proved too strong for the duo of Bopanna-Shapovalov as they won 6-4, 6-4. Champions already this year in Doha, they are now 7-1 as a partnership and will face the unseeded Tim Puetz and Michael Venus for a place in their second tour-level final this season. Both pairs had been rock solid on serve to 4-all in the opening set before the first cracks appeared as Shapovalov was broken on a third break point. Karatsev duly capitalised and served it out at the 30-minute mark as the Russians finished the first set with a perfect 18/18 on first-serve points. ALSO READ: Tunisia's Ons Jabeur to become first Arab player to crack top 10 after reaching Indian Wells semi-finals Consolidation proved a struggle in the second set as the pairs traded five breaks in seven games before Karatsev raised his level to hold for 5-3. While they missed four match points on Shapovalov`s serve, the Russians advanced a game later at the 67-minute mark.

Indian Wells: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov bow out after losing to Andrey Rublev-Aslan Karatsev in quarters

With no teenagers and no Daniil Medvedev left in the draw, this tournament will definitely not be a repeat of the U.S. Open.

Medvedev, so cool and pressure-proof on his way to his first Grand Slam title last month in New York, looked ready to keep rolling Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open.

He led Grigor Dimitrov by a set and two breaks of serve in the round of 16. But tennis remains an unpredictable game, and the top-seeded Medvedev proceeded to lose his way in the desert sunshine as Dimitrov, playing patiently and boldly at just the right times, reeled off wins in eight consecutive games and then held firm to finish off the upset, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

“Impossible until possible, I guess,” Dimitrov said in a television interview.

But if this is not the U.S. Open, it is not truly the Indian Wells tournament, either. That event, usually held annually in March, has grown in size and stature under its free-spending owner, Larry Ellison, becoming the most popular and prestigious tour stop after the four Grand Slam tournaments and the year-end tour finals.

In 2019, 475,000 spectators came to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden during the event’s nearly two-week run, filling up the stadium courts and the upscale restaurants that overlook them. In recent years, the tournament generated an estimated annual economic impact of more than $400 million in the greater Palm Springs region.

But in March 2020, it became the first major international sports event to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision, which was ultimately Ellison’s call, turned out to be the correct one. Though there were skeptics when the move was announced just before the qualifying tournament, other leagues and events soon followed as the scope and threat of the pandemic became clearer.

“We thought they were nuts at first for calling it off,” Krystal Meier, a longtime fan and tournament attendee from Long Beach, said last week. “How could anybody have known what was coming?”

This year, the BNP Paribas Open was moved from March to October, and though the prize money is roughly the same as in 2019, the star power and atmosphere are not.

According to tournament officials, attendance is on track to be about half of what it was in 2019. The change in date is certainly a factor. Many seasonal residents have yet to arrive in the area, and regulars who made March attendance a tradition were clearly not ready to embrace October.

The decision to require vaccination of all spectators may have limited the overall numbers while reassuring some fans. “When we saw everybody was going to be vaccinated, we definitely felt better about coming,” Meier said.

But there is still underlying concern about attending mass events and traveling too far from home. More than 87% of the spectators in 2019 were from outside the Palm Springs area.

Another reason for the smaller crowds is surely the changing of the guard in tennis. The tournament is missing the two biggest stars in the women’s game (Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka) and the three biggest stars in the men’s game (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic).

Federer, 40, and Nadal, 35, are recovering from injuries, and they announced the end of their 2020 seasons in August. Djokovic, 34, is resting and recovering after losing to Medvedev in straight sets in last month’s U.S. Open final, a defeat that stopped him just short of becoming the first man to complete a Grand Slam in singles since Rod Laver in 1969.

Dominic Thiem, who won the men’s title here in 2019, is also out with an injury. He, like the other high-profile absentees, still has a presence in Indian Wells. In a nod to the obvious, tournament organizers have put life-size images of all of them on a wall behind Stadium 2 featuring the words “We miss you.” It has become a magnet during the event, with fans posing for photographs next to the photographs.

Posing next to flesh-and-blood players has been much trickier because of the pandemic restrictions, which have meant a ban on official autograph sessions. (Informal signings have still taken place.)

None of the women’s singles quarterfinalists in New York reached the quarterfinals here, with surprise Open champion Emma Raducanu losing in her opening match to the 100th-ranked Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

The far more experienced Medvedev fared better with his bedeviling blend of offense and defense, and he fared very well against Dimitrov until he took a 4-1 lead in the second set.

But Dimitrov, the Bulgarian who is seeded No. 23, was opportunistic enough to change the momentum. At 30, he has yet to reach the heights that have seemed his destiny, given his stylish, all-court game. But he remains a dangerous opponent, and after showing flashes of fine form at the San Diego Open the week before Indian Wells, he lifted his game Wednesday as Medvedev’s dropped.

“He definitely flipped the switch,” Medvedev said. “It’s not that I started missing everything and like really playing bad. I still maintained some level, if we can call it like this. In so many matches, it would be enough to finish the match.”

Once in the rallies, Dimitrov almost exclusively sliced his single-handed backhand down the stretch and waited — and waited — to take big risks with his forehand. Most of them paid off in the final set, and he took a 5-1 lead as Medvedev expressed displeasure in rare fashion by breaking a racket between his first and second serves (he double faulted) and going on to lose his serve for the sixth time.

“That shows how slow this court is, and the conditions are more like clay, I would say, which I don’t like,” Medvedev said.

Dimitrov soon lost his serve, too, as he tried to finish off the upset at 5-1, but he did not falter at 5-3, holding at love and thrusting both arms into the air.

Though the sky above him was typical Indian Wells — clear and azure — what was happening back on earth remained anything but business as usual.

With no teenagers and no Daniil Medvedev left in the draw, this tournament will definitely not be a repeat of the U.S. Open. Medvedev, so cool and pressure-proof on his way to his first Grand Slam title last month in New York, looked ready to keep rolling Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open.

With no teenagers and no Daniil Medvedev left in the draw, this tournament will definitely not be a repeat of the U.S. Open. Medvedev, so cool and pressure-proof on his way to his first Grand Slam title last month in New York, looked ready to keep rolling Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open. He led Grigor Dimitrov by a set and two breaks of serve in the round of 16. But tennis remains an unpredictable game, and the top-seeded Medvedev proceeded to lose his way in the desert sunshine as Dimitrov, playing patiently and boldly at just the right times, reeled off wins in eight consecutive games and then held firm to finish off the upset, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. “Impossible until possible, I guess,” Dimitrov said in a television interview. But if this is not the U.S. Open, it is not truly the Indian Wells tournament, either. That event, usually held annually in March, has grown in size and stature under its free-spending owner, Larry Ellison, becoming the most popular and prestigious tour stop after the four Grand Slam tournaments and the year-end tour finals. In 2019, 475,000 spectators came to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden during the event’s nearly two-week run, filling up the stadium courts and the upscale restaurants that overlook them. In recent years, the tournament generated an estimated annual economic impact of more than $400 million in the greater Palm Springs region. But in March 2020, it became the first major international sports event to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision, which was ultimately Ellison’s call, turned out to be the correct one. Though there were skeptics when the move was announced just before the qualifying tournament, other leagues and events soon followed as the scope and threat of the pandemic became clearer. “We thought they were nuts at first for calling it off,” Krystal Meier, a longtime fan and tournament attendee from Long Beach, said last week. “How could anybody have known what was coming?” This year, the BNP Paribas Open was moved from March to October, and though the prize money is roughly the same as in 2019, the star power and atmosphere are not. According to tournament officials, attendance is on track to be about half of what it was in 2019. The change in date is certainly a factor. Many seasonal residents have yet to arrive in the area, and regulars who made March attendance a tradition were clearly not ready to embrace October. The decision to require vaccination of all spectators may have limited the overall numbers while reassuring some fans. “When we saw everybody was going to be vaccinated, we definitely felt better about coming,” Meier said. But there is still underlying concern about attending mass events and traveling too far from home. More than 87% of the spectators in 2019 were from outside the Palm Springs area. Another reason for the smaller crowds is surely the changing of the guard in tennis. The tournament is missing the two biggest stars in the women’s game (Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka) and the three biggest stars in the men’s game (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic). Federer, 40, and Nadal, 35, are recovering from injuries, and they announced the end of their 2020 seasons in August. Djokovic, 34, is resting and recovering after losing to Medvedev in straight sets in last month’s U.S. Open final, a defeat that stopped him just short of becoming the first man to complete a Grand Slam in singles since Rod Laver in 1969. Dominic Thiem, who won the men’s title here in 2019, is also out with an injury. He, like the other high-profile absentees, still has a presence in Indian Wells. In a nod to the obvious, tournament organizers have put life-size images of all of them on a wall behind Stadium 2 featuring the words “We miss you.” It has become a magnet during the event, with fans posing for photographs next to the photographs. Posing next to flesh-and-blood players has been much trickier because of the pandemic restrictions, which have meant a ban on official autograph sessions. (Informal signings have still taken place.) None of the women’s singles quarterfinalists in New York reached the quarterfinals here, with surprise Open champion Emma Raducanu losing in her opening match to the 100th-ranked Aliaksandra Sasnovich. The far more experienced Medvedev fared better with his bedeviling blend of offense and defense, and he fared very well against Dimitrov until he took a 4-1 lead in the second set. But Dimitrov, the Bulgarian who is seeded No. 23, was opportunistic enough to change the momentum. At 30, he has yet to reach the heights that have seemed his destiny, given his stylish, all-court game. But he remains a dangerous opponent, and after showing flashes of fine form at the San Diego Open the week before Indian Wells, he lifted his game Wednesday as Medvedev’s dropped. “He definitely flipped the switch,” Medvedev said. “It’s not that I started missing everything and like really playing bad. I still maintained some level, if we can call it like this. In so many matches, it would be enough to finish the match.” Once in the rallies, Dimitrov almost exclusively sliced his single-handed backhand down the stretch and waited — and waited — to take big risks with his forehand. Most of them paid off in the final set, and he took a 5-1 lead as Medvedev expressed displeasure in rare fashion by breaking a racket between his first and second serves (he double faulted) and going on to lose his serve for the sixth time. “That shows how slow this court is, and the conditions are more like clay, I would say, which I don’t like,” Medvedev said. Dimitrov soon lost his serve, too, as he tried to finish off the upset at 5-1, but he did not falter at 5-3, holding at love and thrusting both arms into the air. Though the sky above him was typical Indian Wells — clear and azure — what was happening back on earth remained anything but business as usual.

US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd

U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev reached the fourth round at Indian Wells with a 6-2 7-6(1) victory over Serbia`s Filip Krajinovic on Monday and said he was pleased to reach 50 wins this season.

The top-seeded Russian took to the court following a long rain delay and wasted no time in showing the kind of form that earned him a maiden Grand Slam title last month, going 4-0 up before taking the opening set.

Krajinovic fought back in the second set to lead 4-2 before Medvedev found his groove to force a tie-break, which he dominated to claim the win.

"I feel like I`m trying to play a little bit less ... just playing the biggest tournaments, or the ones that will get me back into shape," Medvedev said.

"So I`m really happy that I managed to get 50 (wins). It means I was doing pretty good in a lot of them.

"Filip is a really tough opponent. He`s always playing top tennis, tough matches, especially that second set. There were a lot of ups and downs, but a great level from both."

Up next for world number two Medvedev is Grigor Dimitrov, who beat American Reilly Opelka 6-3 6-4 earlier in the day. 
Medvedev`s compatriot Andrey Rublev lost 6-4 3-6 7-5 to American Tommy Paul.

U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev reached the fourth round at Indian Wells with a 6-2 7-6(1) victory over Serbia`s Filip Krajinovic on Monday and said he was pleased to reach 50 wins this season.

U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev reached the fourth round at Indian Wells with a 6-2 7-6(1) victory over Serbia`s Filip Krajinovic on Monday and said he was pleased to reach 50 wins this season. The top-seeded Russian took to the court following a long rain delay and wasted no time in showing the kind of form that earned him a maiden Grand Slam title last month, going 4-0 up before taking the opening set. Krajinovic fought back in the second set to lead 4-2 before Medvedev found his groove to force a tie-break, which he dominated to claim the win. "I feel like I`m trying to play a little bit less ... just playing the biggest tournaments, or the ones that will get me back into shape," Medvedev said. "So I`m really happy that I managed to get 50 (wins). It means I was doing pretty good in a lot of them. "Filip is a really tough opponent. He`s always playing top tennis, tough matches, especially that second set. There were a lot of ups and downs, but a great level from both." Up next for world number two Medvedev is Grigor Dimitrov, who beat American Reilly Opelka 6-3 6-4 earlier in the day. Medvedev`s compatriot Andrey Rublev lost 6-4 3-6 7-5 to American Tommy Paul.

Daniil Medvedev overcomes Filip Krajinovic to set up Dimitrov clash at Indian Wells

2019 champion Bianca Andreescu withstood a strong charge from American Alison Riske to win 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 and advance to the third round of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Saturday.

Andreescu, 21, remains unbeaten in eight career matches at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Canadian now moves on to face 18th seed Anett Kontaveit, who advanced via walkover against Italy`s Martina Trevisan. Andreescu is winless in two previous encounters with the Estonian, including a 6-3, 6-3 loss earlier this year in the Round of 16 at Eastbourne.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-champion-emma-raducanu-sent-packing-by-world-no-100-at-indian-wells-419363">US Open champion Emma Raducanu sent packing by world No. 100 at Indian Wells</a>

Top seed Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic powered her way into the third round, smacking six aces and winning 79 per cent of her first-serve points (30 of 38) in a 7-5, 6-2 win over Poland`s Magdalena Frech.

Earlier in the day, two-time Slam champ Garbine Muguruza became a high-profile upset victim. The Spaniard fell to 47th-ranked Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, in one hour and 52 minutes. Muguruza, ranked No. 6, was coming off her second title of the year in Chicago, but couldn`t solve Tomljanovic at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. It marked Tomljanovic`s first Top-10 win of the year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lost-and-found-andy-murrays-wedding-ring-remains-in-headline-as-he-reaches-second-round-at-indian-wells-419418">Lost and found: Andy Murray's wedding ring remains in headline as he reaches second round at Indian Wells</a>

Making her much-anticipated tournament debut, 17-year-old Coco Gauff battled past Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia in three sets, 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-1, in two hours and 10 minutes in Stadium 1. Elsewhere, world No.46 Viktorija Golubic`s stellar 2021 season continued at Indian Wells, where the Swiss put on an all-court clinic to upset World No.9 Maria Sakkari, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the third round.

No.10 seed Angelique Kerber of Germany had to battle to the bitter end before edging Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-7(4), 7-5, and advancing into the third round after two-and-a-half hours of gripping play.

2019 champion Bianca Andreescu withstood a strong charge from American Alison Riske to win 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 and advance to the third round of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Saturday.

2019 champion Bianca Andreescu withstood a strong charge from American Alison Riske to win 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 and advance to the third round of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Saturday. Andreescu, 21, remains unbeaten in eight career matches at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Canadian now moves on to face 18th seed Anett Kontaveit, who advanced via walkover against Italy`s Martina Trevisan. Andreescu is winless in two previous encounters with the Estonian, including a 6-3, 6-3 loss earlier this year in the Round of 16 at Eastbourne. ALSO READ: US Open champion Emma Raducanu sent packing by world No. 100 at Indian Wells Top seed Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic powered her way into the third round, smacking six aces and winning 79 per cent of her first-serve points (30 of 38) in a 7-5, 6-2 win over Poland`s Magdalena Frech. Earlier in the day, two-time Slam champ Garbine Muguruza became a high-profile upset victim. The Spaniard fell to 47th-ranked Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, in one hour and 52 minutes. Muguruza, ranked No. 6, was coming off her second title of the year in Chicago, but couldn`t solve Tomljanovic at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. It marked Tomljanovic`s first Top-10 win of the year. ALSO READ: Lost and found: Andy Murray's wedding ring remains in headline as he reaches second round at Indian Wells Making her much-anticipated tournament debut, 17-year-old Coco Gauff battled past Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia in three sets, 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-1, in two hours and 10 minutes in Stadium 1. Elsewhere, world No.46 Viktorija Golubic`s stellar 2021 season continued at Indian Wells, where the Swiss put on an all-court clinic to upset World No.9 Maria Sakkari, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the third round. No.10 seed Angelique Kerber of Germany had to battle to the bitter end before edging Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-7(4), 7-5, and advancing into the third round after two-and-a-half hours of gripping play.

Indian Wells: Bianca Andreescu, Karolina Pliskova advance; Garbine Muguruza, Maria Sakkari suffer upset

A couple of days back, Andy Murray said that he was in the "bad books" at home as he lost his wedding ring in California, which was tied to the laces of his shoes. British tennis star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-andy-murrays-plea-over-stolen-wedding-ring-sums-up-the-plight-of-every-married-man-418912">gave details of the incident</a>, issuing a plea as he asked for help in recovering the missing items.&nbsp;

Murray had said that his shoes reeked so badly as he decided to leave them under the vehicle outside his hotel in California overnight to dry them out overnight. However, the 'idiotic' decision led to them being stolen.&nbsp;

Murray, who married Kim Sears in 2015, is finally in "back in the good books" now with his wife after his wedding ring and stinky were returned to him. "Little update for everyone. Would you believe it?" Murray said before taking a big whiff of the footwear. "They still absolutely stink but the shoes are back, the wedding ring is back, and I'm back in the good books," he added.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-champion-emma-raducanu-sent-packing-by-world-no-100-at-indian-wells-419363">US Open champion Emma Raducanu sent packing by world No. 100 at Indian Wells</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The shoes are back. 👟 
The ring is back. 💍 
 
Let’s go, <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a>!!! 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO21</a> <a href="https://t.co/hA5VKX98mm">pic.twitter.com/hA5VKX98mm</a>
— ATP Tour (@atptour) <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1446237870574825502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Murray is currently in California for the Indian Wells tournament, where sealed a comfortable 6-3, 6-2 win over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Indian Wells tournament on Friday (October 8).

The Briton was happy with his performance, firing five aces and striking 19 winners to secure his first victory at the Indian Wells since 2016, but said the missing items dilemma before the match nearly pushed him to contact the police.&nbsp;

"'So basically the day after we realised they were, let's say, misplaced or someone had moved them, I went and I spoke to the lost and found a couple times at the hotel that day. They said they'd found nothing," Murray said.&nbsp;

"I spoke to security. They said they found nothing. I was like, 'Well, they're gone'. I was going to file a police report to try to get them back or to increase my chance of getting them back," he added.&nbsp;

Murray will face 18-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the second round.&nbsp;

A couple of days back, Andy Murray said that he was in the "bad books" at home as he lost his wedding ring in California, which was tied to the laces of his shoes.

A couple of days back, Andy Murray said that he was in the "bad books" at home as he lost his wedding ring in California, which was tied to the laces of his shoes. British tennis star gave details of the incident, issuing a plea as he asked for help in recovering the missing items. Murray had said that his shoes reeked so badly as he decided to leave them under the vehicle outside his hotel in California overnight to dry them out overnight. However, the 'idiotic' decision led to them being stolen. Murray, who married Kim Sears in 2015, is finally in "back in the good books" now with his wife after his wedding ring and stinky were returned to him. "Little update for everyone. Would you believe it?" Murray said before taking a big whiff of the footwear. "They still absolutely stink but the shoes are back, the wedding ring is back, and I'm back in the good books," he added. ALSO READ | US Open champion Emma Raducanu sent packing by world No. 100 at Indian Wells The shoes are back. 👟 The ring is back. 💍 Let’s go, @andy_murray!!! 💪#BNPPO21 pic.twitter.com/hA5VKX98mm — ATP Tour (@atptour) October 7, 2021 × Murray is currently in California for the Indian Wells tournament, where sealed a comfortable 6-3, 6-2 win over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the first round of the Indian Wells tournament on Friday (October 8). The Briton was happy with his performance, firing five aces and striking 19 winners to secure his first victory at the Indian Wells since 2016, but said the missing items dilemma before the match nearly pushed him to contact the police. "'So basically the day after we realised they were, let's say, misplaced or someone had moved them, I went and I spoke to the lost and found a couple times at the hotel that day. They said they'd found nothing," Murray said. "I spoke to security. They said they found nothing. I was like, 'Well, they're gone'. I was going to file a police report to try to get them back or to increase my chance of getting them back," he added. Murray will face 18-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the second round.

Lost and found: Andy Murray's wedding ring remains in headline as he reaches second round at Indian Wells

World No.100 Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus ended Emma Raducanu`s 10-match winning streak on Saturday (IST), defeating the reigning US Open champion 6-2, 6-4 in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open here. Sasnovich will face 2015 champion Simona Halep of the US for a spot in the Round of 16 on Sunday. 
 
Coming into the second-round duel, Raducanu was riding a 10-match winning streak from her historic title run at the US Open, where she reeled off 20 consecutive sets through qualifying and the main draw to become the first British woman to win a major since Virginia Wade in 1977. In contrast, Sasnovich, who reached a career-high No.30 in 2018, had just one top-50 victory in a completed match this season. 
 
Yet despite her sub-par 2021 season, the Belarusian has a proven track record of being a seed-slaying danger in the early rounds of big events. The 27-year-old had already notched 15 top-20 wins in her career, including victories over Petra Kvitova at 2018 Wimbledon, Elina Svitolina at 2018 Brisbane, and Karolina Pliskova at 2016 Tokyo. 
 
"I saw a few matches of her when she played US Open and Wimbledon as well," Sasnovich told wtatennis.com. "She`s really a talented girl. She has a strong forehand, backhand. She tries to be always aggressive." 
 
"It was a really good match for me. I play really well. I know she just won US Open. I lost there in the first round. So, a little bit different. But I tried to go on court, I tried to enjoy. I did everything right and I`m happy with the result, of course." 
 
Raducanu started the match right where she left off in New York, reeling off the first six points with top-notch tennis. With both players looking to play offensive tennis, Sasnovich weathered the early surge and began to find consistent depth off the baseline. The Belarusian broke first to open up a 3-1 lead and broke the Raducanu serve again for a 5-2 lead, closing the opening set after 30 minutes. 
 
No.7 seed Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic moved into the third round of the BNP Paribas Open for the seventh time in her career with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands. 
 
In the first meeting between the two veteran left-handers, Kvitova weathered a closely-contested patch in the early second set to earn a comprehensive victory in an hour and 16 minutes. 
 
Kvitova swept to an initial 4-0 lead and claimed the first set in half an hour, but world No.68 Rus picked up her play as the second set started. 
 
Kvitova used her devastating forehand return to obtain a critical break for 3-2 in the second set, and the Czech charged to the win from there, picking off the last five games of the match. 
 
Kvitova will next face No.27 seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, in an intriguing face-off between two-time Grand Slam champions. Kvitova leads the head-to-head 5-3. 
&nbsp;

World No.100 Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus ended Emma Raducanu`s 10-match winning streak on Saturday (IST), defeating the reigning US Open champion 6-2, 6-4 in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open here.

World No.100 Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus ended Emma Raducanu`s 10-match winning streak on Saturday (IST), defeating the reigning US Open champion 6-2, 6-4 in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open here. Sasnovich will face 2015 champion Simona Halep of the US for a spot in the Round of 16 on Sunday. Coming into the second-round duel, Raducanu was riding a 10-match winning streak from her historic title run at the US Open, where she reeled off 20 consecutive sets through qualifying and the main draw to become the first British woman to win a major since Virginia Wade in 1977. In contrast, Sasnovich, who reached a career-high No.30 in 2018, had just one top-50 victory in a completed match this season. Yet despite her sub-par 2021 season, the Belarusian has a proven track record of being a seed-slaying danger in the early rounds of big events. The 27-year-old had already notched 15 top-20 wins in her career, including victories over Petra Kvitova at 2018 Wimbledon, Elina Svitolina at 2018 Brisbane, and Karolina Pliskova at 2016 Tokyo. "I saw a few matches of her when she played US Open and Wimbledon as well," Sasnovich told wtatennis.com. "She`s really a talented girl. She has a strong forehand, backhand. She tries to be always aggressive." "It was a really good match for me. I play really well. I know she just won US Open. I lost there in the first round. So, a little bit different. But I tried to go on court, I tried to enjoy. I did everything right and I`m happy with the result, of course." Raducanu started the match right where she left off in New York, reeling off the first six points with top-notch tennis. With both players looking to play offensive tennis, Sasnovich weathered the early surge and began to find consistent depth off the baseline. The Belarusian broke first to open up a 3-1 lead and broke the Raducanu serve again for a 5-2 lead, closing the opening set after 30 minutes. No.7 seed Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic moved into the third round of the BNP Paribas Open for the seventh time in her career with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands. In the first meeting between the two veteran left-handers, Kvitova weathered a closely-contested patch in the early second set to earn a comprehensive victory in an hour and 16 minutes. Kvitova swept to an initial 4-0 lead and claimed the first set in half an hour, but world No.68 Rus picked up her play as the second set started. Kvitova used her devastating forehand return to obtain a critical break for 3-2 in the second set, and the Czech charged to the win from there, picking off the last five games of the match. Kvitova will next face No.27 seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, in an intriguing face-off between two-time Grand Slam champions. Kvitova leads the head-to-head 5-3.

US Open champion Emma Raducanu sent packing by world No. 100 at Indian Wells

British tennis star Andy Murray issued a plea after his shoes and wedding ring were stolen in California as he is now in the "bad books" at home. The incident pretty much sums up the plight of every married man in the world.&nbsp;

Murray, who is currently in California for the Indian Wells tournament, revealed in a&nbsp;video posted by ATP's Twitter handel, that an 'idiotic' decision to dry his sweaty shoes led to them being stolen.&nbsp;

The three-time Grand Slam winner said that he left his tennis shoes underneath his car to dry out overnight in front of the hotel room, but they had vanished when he returned in the morning.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-pakistan-beat-india-in-t20-world-cup-pcb-to-get-blank-cheque-ramiz-raja-reveals-investors-big-claim-418875">If Pakistan beat India in T20 World Cup, PCB to get blank cheque: Ramiz Raja reveals investor's BIG claim</a>

Murray, who married Kim Sears in 2015, has played with his wedding ring attached to one of his laces as he can't play while wearing it in his finger.&nbsp;

That's exactly&nbsp;happened when he took part in a practice session ahead of his opener in the Indian Wells tournament against Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.

He said that when his physio asked about his wedding band, then he realised he had left the ring tied to his footwear.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:

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🎾 <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a> needs your help! 
 
His tennis shoes have been stolen and, attached to them, is his wedding ring. Oops.<a href="https://t.co/4bBDDlels6">pic.twitter.com/4bBDDlels6</a>
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSportsman/status/1446057351761563648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Last night after dinner in Indian Wells, I got back in the car to go back to the hotel and it didn't smell great. I'd left my tennis shoes in there ... it's been like 38-39 degrees so the shoes are damp, sweaty and smelly," Murray said in the video.

Murray said he left his shoes underneath the car to avoid the "stink" in his room but when he got back to the car in the morning they were gone.

"I decided when I got back to the hotel that the shoes needed some air, I needed to dry them out a bit ... I have no balcony in my room and didn't want to leave them in my room to stink the room out.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-man-of-many-talents-rohit-sharma-imitates-mi-legends-shares-video-on-instagram-watch-418679">IPL 2021: Man of many talents! Rohit Sharma imitates MI legends, shares video on Instagram - WATCH</a>

"So I thought I'm going to leave the shoes under the car ... overnight. When I got back to the car in the morning the shoes were gone. I had to go to a local pro shop to buy different shoes to what I normally wear ... which isn't the end of the world but not ideal.

"I was preparing for my practice when my physio said to me 'where's your wedding ring?' And I was like 'oh no' .... So yeah, my ring has been stolen as well. Needless to say I'm in the bad books at home so I want to try and find it."

British tennis star Andy Murray issued a plea after his shoes and wedding ring were stolen in California as he is now in the "bad books" at home. The incident pretty much sums up the plight of every married man in the world.

British tennis star Andy Murray issued a plea after his shoes and wedding ring were stolen in California as he is now in the "bad books" at home. The incident pretty much sums up the plight of every married man in the world. Murray, who is currently in California for the Indian Wells tournament, revealed in a video posted by ATP's Twitter handel, that an 'idiotic' decision to dry his sweaty shoes led to them being stolen. The three-time Grand Slam winner said that he left his tennis shoes underneath his car to dry out overnight in front of the hotel room, but they had vanished when he returned in the morning. ALSO READ | If Pakistan beat India in T20 World Cup, PCB to get blank cheque: Ramiz Raja reveals investor's BIG claim Murray, who married Kim Sears in 2015, has played with his wedding ring attached to one of his laces as he can't play while wearing it in his finger. That's exactly happened when he took part in a practice session ahead of his opener in the Indian Wells tournament against Frenchman Adrian Mannarino. He said that when his physio asked about his wedding band, then he realised he had left the ring tied to his footwear. Watch the video here: 🎾 @andy_murray needs your help! His tennis shoes have been stolen and, attached to them, is his wedding ring. Oops.pic.twitter.com/4bBDDlels6 — The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) October 7, 2021 × "Last night after dinner in Indian Wells, I got back in the car to go back to the hotel and it didn't smell great. I'd left my tennis shoes in there ... it's been like 38-39 degrees so the shoes are damp, sweaty and smelly," Murray said in the video. Murray said he left his shoes underneath the car to avoid the "stink" in his room but when he got back to the car in the morning they were gone. "I decided when I got back to the hotel that the shoes needed some air, I needed to dry them out a bit ... I have no balcony in my room and didn't want to leave them in my room to stink the room out. ALSO READ | IPL 2021: Man of many talents! Rohit Sharma imitates MI legends, shares video on Instagram - WATCH "So I thought I'm going to leave the shoes under the car ... overnight. When I got back to the car in the morning the shoes were gone. I had to go to a local pro shop to buy different shoes to what I normally wear ... which isn't the end of the world but not ideal. "I was preparing for my practice when my physio said to me 'where's your wedding ring?' And I was like 'oh no' .... So yeah, my ring has been stolen as well. Needless to say I'm in the bad books at home so I want to try and find it."

Watch: Andy Murray's plea over 'stolen' wedding ring sums up the plight of every married man

World number two Aryna Sabalenka will not play at the Indian Wells tournament after testing positive for COVID-19, the 23-year-old said.

Sabalenka, who lost to Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in the U.S. Open semifinal last month, was the top seed in the women's draw at the Indian Wells after world number one Ash Barty pulled out&nbsp;from the WTA 1000 event near Los Angeles.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-boxing-in-rio-olympics-2016-rigged-independent-probe-reveals-shocking-details-of-bout-manipulation-417377">Was boxing in Rio Olympics 2016 rigged? Independent probe reveals shocking details of 'bout manipulation'</a>

"Unfortunately I've tested positive at Indian Wells and won't be able to compete," Belarusian Sabalenka wrote on her Instagram story on Saturday.

"I've started my isolation and I'll be staying here until I'm cleared by the doctors and health officials. So far I'm looking ok but really sad to not be able to play this year."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-rules-out-overseas-fans-over-virus-threat-417177">Beijing Olympics rules out overseas fans over virus threat</a>

Sabalenka's absence is another blow to the Oct. 4-17 event, with men's world number one Novak Djokovic, 2018 champion Naomi Osaka and 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams also not competing.

Sabalenka has already qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals, contested by the world`s top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, which will be held next month in Guadalajara, Mexico.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka will not play at the Indian Wells tournament after testing positive for COVID-19, the 23-year-old said. Sabalenka, who lost to Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in the U.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka will not play at the Indian Wells tournament after testing positive for COVID-19, the 23-year-old said. Sabalenka, who lost to Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in the U.S. Open semifinal last month, was the top seed in the women's draw at the Indian Wells after world number one Ash Barty pulled out from the WTA 1000 event near Los Angeles. Also read: Was boxing in Rio Olympics 2016 rigged? Independent probe reveals shocking details of 'bout manipulation' "Unfortunately I've tested positive at Indian Wells and won't be able to compete," Belarusian Sabalenka wrote on her Instagram story on Saturday. "I've started my isolation and I'll be staying here until I'm cleared by the doctors and health officials. So far I'm looking ok but really sad to not be able to play this year." Also read: Beijing Olympics rules out overseas fans over virus threat Sabalenka's absence is another blow to the Oct. 4-17 event, with men's world number one Novak Djokovic, 2018 champion Naomi Osaka and 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams also not competing. Sabalenka has already qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals, contested by the world`s top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, which will be held next month in Guadalajara, Mexico.

World no. 2 Aryna Sabalenka tests positive for COVID-19, ruled out of Indian Wells

The prestigious BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells that was scheduled to be held in California in March has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns, organisers said on Tuesday.

It marks the second consecutive year the dual ATP-WTA hardcourt event, which is often called the “fifth major” after the four Grand Slam tournaments, has been impacted by the virus as the 2020 edition was cancelled.

“The tournament is proactively working with the ATP and WTA Tours as well as title sponsor BNP Paribas to confirm dates later in the year to hold the event,” tournament organisers said in a statement.

“Details will be released in the near future as plans are finalised.”

The event, which next year was scheduled to be held March 8-21, attracts the game’s top players from both the men’s and women’s sides and in 2019 drew a record 475,000 fans over its two-week run.

The 2020 edition was the first major professional sporting event in the United States cancelled in wake of the coronavirus, on the eve of its scheduled start.

Men’s tennis governing body ATP also announced the 2021 Indian Wells postponement but said that all subsequent sections of the 2021 calendar, beginning with the spring clay-court season, remain unchanged at this time.

The start of the 2021 Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam, has already been delayed for three weeks until Feb. 8 due to the country’s strict border rules to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The prestigious BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells that was scheduled to be held in California in March has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns, organisers said on Tuesday.

The prestigious BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells that was scheduled to be held in California in March has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns, organisers said on Tuesday. It marks the second consecutive year the dual ATP-WTA hardcourt event, which is often called the “fifth major” after the four Grand Slam tournaments, has been impacted by the virus as the 2020 edition was cancelled. “The tournament is proactively working with the ATP and WTA Tours as well as title sponsor BNP Paribas to confirm dates later in the year to hold the event,” tournament organisers said in a statement. “Details will be released in the near future as plans are finalised.” The event, which next year was scheduled to be held March 8-21, attracts the game’s top players from both the men’s and women’s sides and in 2019 drew a record 475,000 fans over its two-week run. The 2020 edition was the first major professional sporting event in the United States cancelled in wake of the coronavirus, on the eve of its scheduled start. Men’s tennis governing body ATP also announced the 2021 Indian Wells postponement but said that all subsequent sections of the 2021 calendar, beginning with the spring clay-court season, remain unchanged at this time. The start of the 2021 Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam, has already been delayed for three weeks until Feb. 8 due to the country’s strict border rules to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Indian Wells postponed due to COVID-19 concerns

Organisers have decided that BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells will not take place due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Rafael Nadal and Nova Djokovic were among the main tennis stars who were going to take part in the tournament.

The tournament was due to commence in California on Monday.

In a statement released by organizers read: "The 2020 BNP Paribas Open will not take place at this time due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and the safety of the participants and attendees at the event. This is following the guidance of medical professionals, the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), and the State of California."

Indian Wells is the first mandatory event in the WTA season. It is a Masters 1000 event on the men's tour.

Tommy Haas, the tournament director said: "We are very disappointed that the tournament will not take place, but the health and safety of the local community, fans, players, volunteers, sponsors, employees, vendors, and everyone involved with the event is of paramount importance. We are prepared to hold the tournament on another date and will explore options."

Nadal took to twitter to inform his fans about the news:

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You probably all heard the news. Indian Wells cancelled. We are here and still deciding what’s next. So sad for all that is happening around the world with this situation. Hopefully soon solutions from the authorities. Stay all well and safe.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal/status/1236879297945595904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Italy is ordering 22 million surgical masks to help stop the spread of the new coronavirus, the civil protection agency said Sunday, as it announced the country's death toll jumped to 366.

Over 15 million people were meanwhile adjusting to life in lockdown after the government shut whole swathes of the north, beginning with the worst-hit Lombardy region, home to the majority of Sunday's 133 deaths.

Organisers have decided that BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells will not take place due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Rafael Nadal and Nova Djokovic were among the main tennis stars who were going to take part in the tournament.

Organisers have decided that BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells will not take place due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Rafael Nadal and Nova Djokovic were among the main tennis stars who were going to take part in the tournament. The tournament was due to commence in California on Monday. In a statement released by organizers read: "The 2020 BNP Paribas Open will not take place at this time due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and the safety of the participants and attendees at the event. This is following the guidance of medical professionals, the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), and the State of California." Indian Wells is the first mandatory event in the WTA season. It is a Masters 1000 event on the men's tour. Tommy Haas, the tournament director said: "We are very disappointed that the tournament will not take place, but the health and safety of the local community, fans, players, volunteers, sponsors, employees, vendors, and everyone involved with the event is of paramount importance. We are prepared to hold the tournament on another date and will explore options." Nadal took to twitter to inform his fans about the news: You probably all heard the news. Indian Wells cancelled. We are here and still deciding what’s next. So sad for all that is happening around the world with this situation. Hopefully soon solutions from the authorities. Stay all well and safe. — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 9, 2020 × Meanwhile, Italy is ordering 22 million surgical masks to help stop the spread of the new coronavirus, the civil protection agency said Sunday, as it announced the country's death toll jumped to 366. Over 15 million people were meanwhile adjusting to life in lockdown after the government shut whole swathes of the north, beginning with the worst-hit Lombardy region, home to the majority of Sunday's 133 deaths.

Tennis: Indian Wells event cancelled due to coronavirus fears

French Open champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-winner-rafael-nadal-still-lagging-novak-djokovic-in-rankings-226068&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjkoqr6q-PiAhUF_XMBHdeMD4IQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3SAlPzJogU3thvR5xscZeo">Rafa Nadal</a> has said he nearly ended his season after being forced to withdraw from the Indian Wells semi-finals with a knee injury in March but played through the pain at Roland Garros to clinch a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-win-french-open-title-225750&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjkoqr6q-PiAhUF_XMBHdeMD4IQFjAGegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YljzKdQdHqMy4AJnjSLma">record-extending 12th title</a>.

Nadal conceded a walkover to Roger Federer at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/del-potro-stuns-roger-federer-to-win-indian-wells-title-36291&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj7_u2NrOPiAhVB_XMBHRaZBLgQFjAHegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1d2NVGmEcURONt_sfVxopc">Indian Wells</a> and skipped the Miami Open before returning to the tour for the clay season, where he lost three semi-finals in a row before winning titles in Rome and Paris.

"Mentally, after Indian Wells, I suffered a major downturn. I considered shutting down my season to see if my body would recuperate instead of playing through injury after injury," the Spaniard told the ATP website.

"Another option was to press on and play through the pain. Either way, the outlook was bleak. It required a change of mindset... and that doesn't happen overnight. I was reluctant and hesitant to return. Physically, because of another tendon tear in my knee, and on top of going through all the treatment required in the recovery process, there was dealing with the pain," Nadal said.

The 33-year-old said he had struggled to stay motivated because of the constant pain but had been determined to acquit himself well at Roland Garros.

"Between the level of pain and just being sidelined, there came a time when I just felt tired of all of this," he added. "I was sick of always being in pain.

"After Indian Wells, I took a moment to make sense of all of it... I promised myself that I would play through Roland Garros with the attitude and energy necessary to confront all obstacles in my way," Nadal said.

Nadal's French Open victory put him two Grand Slam titles behind Federer's all-time record of 20 and the Spaniard has announced his intention not to play again until Wimbledon, which begins on July 1.

French Open champion Rafa Nadal has said he nearly ended his season after being forced to withdraw from the Indian Wells semi-finals with a knee injury in March but played through the pain at Roland Garros to clinch a record-extending 12th title.

French Open champion Rafa Nadal has said he nearly ended his season after being forced to withdraw from the Indian Wells semi-finals with a knee injury in March but played through the pain at Roland Garros to clinch a record-extending 12th title. Nadal conceded a walkover to Roger Federer at Indian Wells and skipped the Miami Open before returning to the tour for the clay season, where he lost three semi-finals in a row before winning titles in Rome and Paris. "Mentally, after Indian Wells, I suffered a major downturn. I considered shutting down my season to see if my body would recuperate instead of playing through injury after injury," the Spaniard told the ATP website. "Another option was to press on and play through the pain. Either way, the outlook was bleak. It required a change of mindset... and that doesn't happen overnight. I was reluctant and hesitant to return. Physically, because of another tendon tear in my knee, and on top of going through all the treatment required in the recovery process, there was dealing with the pain," Nadal said. The 33-year-old said he had struggled to stay motivated because of the constant pain but had been determined to acquit himself well at Roland Garros. "Between the level of pain and just being sidelined, there came a time when I just felt tired of all of this," he added. "I was sick of always being in pain. "After Indian Wells, I took a moment to make sense of all of it... I promised myself that I would play through Roland Garros with the attitude and energy necessary to confront all obstacles in my way," Nadal said. Nadal's French Open victory put him two Grand Slam titles behind Federer's all-time record of 20 and the Spaniard has announced his intention not to play again until Wimbledon, which begins on July 1.

French Open champ Rafael Nadal considered ending season after Indian Wells injury

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

Dominic Thiem defeated Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to win the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, denying Federer a record sixth title in the desert while claiming the biggest title of his career.

The 25-year-old Austrian, ranked eighth in the world, trailed 4-3 and 5-4 in the third set before breaking Federer with a forehand winner to go up 6-5.

Thiem earned the crucial break in the 11th game of the final set. He sealed the match after two hours and two minutes when Federer's backhand found the net and will now return to a career-high ranking of fourth in the world.

It was the second year in a row that Federer was denied in the Indian Wells final. In 2018 he missed out on three championship points as he fell to Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in the title match.

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Thiem/<a href="https://twitter.com/ThiemDomi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThiemDomi</a> /(🎥<a href="https://twitter.com/TennisTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennisTV</a> ) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO19</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gt7WQ6ukOf">pic.twitter.com/Gt7WQ6ukOf</a>
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Federer, fresh off a remarkable 100th career title in Dubai, remains tied with Novak Djokovic for the most Indian Wells victories with five.

By virtue of this win, Thiem became first Austrian to win a Masters 1000 title since Thomas Muster in Miami in 1997.

Dominic Thiem defeated Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to win the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, denying Federer a record sixth title in the desert while claiming the biggest title of his career.

Dominic Thiem defeated Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to win the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, denying Federer a record sixth title in the desert while claiming the biggest title of his career. The 25-year-old Austrian, ranked eighth in the world, trailed 4-3 and 5-4 in the third set before breaking Federer with a forehand winner to go up 6-5. Thiem earned the crucial break in the 11th game of the final set. He sealed the match after two hours and two minutes when Federer's backhand found the net and will now return to a career-high ranking of fourth in the world. It was the second year in a row that Federer was denied in the Indian Wells final. In 2018 he missed out on three championship points as he fell to Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in the title match. Thiem/@ThiemDomi /(🎥@TennisTV ) #BNPPO19 pic.twitter.com/Gt7WQ6ukOf — doublefault28 (@doublefault28) March 18, 2019 × Federer, fresh off a remarkable 100th career title in Dubai, remains tied with Novak Djokovic for the most Indian Wells victories with five. By virtue of this win, Thiem became first Austrian to win a Masters 1000 title since Thomas Muster in Miami in 1997.

Indian Wells: Dominic Thiem beats Roger Federer to win maiden Masters 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>
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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

Austria's Dominic Thiem defeated Milos Raonic 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 on Saturday to book a title clash with five-time champion Roger Federer at the ATP Indian Wells Masters.

Thiem, ranked eighth in the world, withstood 17 aces from the rangy Canadian, gaining the only break of the contest in the third set.

He'll fight for a maiden Masters 1000 title against Swiss great Federer. Federer, seeking a record sixth Indian Wells crown, reached the final when semi-final opponent Rafael

Nadal withdrew from the tournament with a right knee injury.

Thiem, 25, has split four prior meetings with the 20-time Grand Slam champion 2-2.

Austria's Dominic Thiem defeated Milos Raonic 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 on Saturday to book a title clash with five-time champion Roger Federer at the ATP Indian Wells Masters.

Austria's Dominic Thiem defeated Milos Raonic 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 on Saturday to book a title clash with five-time champion Roger Federer at the ATP Indian Wells Masters. Thiem, ranked eighth in the world, withstood 17 aces from the rangy Canadian, gaining the only break of the contest in the third set. He'll fight for a maiden Masters 1000 title against Swiss great Federer. Federer, seeking a record sixth Indian Wells crown, reached the final when semi-final opponent Rafael Nadal withdrew from the tournament with a right knee injury. Thiem, 25, has split four prior meetings with the 20-time Grand Slam champion 2-2.

Dominic Thiem books Indian Wells final against Roger Federer

One of the great sporting rivalries will be renewed at Indian Wells on Saturday when Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal clash in a semi-final at the BNP Paribas Open, providing the Spaniard's troublesome right knee does not keep him off court.

The multiple Grand Slam champions both won their quarter-finals on Friday, although Nadal in particular had to work hard to overcome Russian Karen Khachanov 7-6(2), 7-6(2) in a match during which he required treatment on the knee.

"I am used to playing with some issues, so I just tried to be focussed. It's one of these victories today I'm really proud of," Nadal told reporters, declining to absolutely guarantee that he would be okay to play on Saturday.

"Nobody can guarantee anything about what can happen the next day, but of course my goal is to be ready for tomorrow."

Federer, meanwhile, broke Pole Hubert Hurkacz once in each set for a 6-4, 6-4 win in the first career meeting between the pair and was perhaps more bothered by his early start.

"It's a bit different," the Swiss told reporters. "They warned me they were going to put me on at 11.00 (am). What can I say? You have no choice.

"I'm very excited to be in the semis here, not that I didn't expect it. I'm holding serve comfortably, in a good place mentally when I go into my service games."

Hurkacz had two break points but could seize neither.

"Roger was playing great in the crucial moments," he said. "I had some small chances in the second set.

"He's changing directions all the time (with his serve) so it's really hard to read it."

With Hurkacz dispatched, Federer turned his thoughts to what would be his 39th career encounter with Nadal.

The Spaniard leads 23-15 on a head-to-head basis but the Swiss has won the last five encounters.

They have not met since Shanghai in 2017, the same year that Federer beat Nadal 6-2, 6-3 in the fourth round on his way to his fifth title at Indian Wells.

Federer, 37, warned fans not to read too much into his winning streak against 32-year-old Nadal.

"I lot has happened in the past 18 months," he said. "You can't just copy and paste and play exactly the same thing again.

"It's been quite a journey with Rafa side by side."

Nadal spoke glowingly of how much the rivalry meant.

"It's beautiful to have the chance to keep competing at the highest level in advanced rounds, in the most important event at that late (in) our careers," he said.

"That's something really special and (I'm) just happy to be part of it."

Saturday's other semi-final will match Austrian seventh seed Dominic Thiem against Canadian 13th seed Milos Raonic.

One of the great sporting rivalries will be renewed at Indian Wells on Saturday when Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal clash in a semi-final at the BNP Paribas Open, providing the Spaniard's troublesome right knee does not keep him off court.

One of the great sporting rivalries will be renewed at Indian Wells on Saturday when Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal clash in a semi-final at the BNP Paribas Open, providing the Spaniard's troublesome right knee does not keep him off court. The multiple Grand Slam champions both won their quarter-finals on Friday, although Nadal in particular had to work hard to overcome Russian Karen Khachanov 7-6(2), 7-6(2) in a match during which he required treatment on the knee. "I am used to playing with some issues, so I just tried to be focussed. It's one of these victories today I'm really proud of," Nadal told reporters, declining to absolutely guarantee that he would be okay to play on Saturday. "Nobody can guarantee anything about what can happen the next day, but of course my goal is to be ready for tomorrow." Federer, meanwhile, broke Pole Hubert Hurkacz once in each set for a 6-4, 6-4 win in the first career meeting between the pair and was perhaps more bothered by his early start. "It's a bit different," the Swiss told reporters. "They warned me they were going to put me on at 11.00 (am). What can I say? You have no choice. "I'm very excited to be in the semis here, not that I didn't expect it. I'm holding serve comfortably, in a good place mentally when I go into my service games." Hurkacz had two break points but could seize neither. "Roger was playing great in the crucial moments," he said. "I had some small chances in the second set. "He's changing directions all the time (with his serve) so it's really hard to read it." With Hurkacz dispatched, Federer turned his thoughts to what would be his 39th career encounter with Nadal. The Spaniard leads 23-15 on a head-to-head basis but the Swiss has won the last five encounters. They have not met since Shanghai in 2017, the same year that Federer beat Nadal 6-2, 6-3 in the fourth round on his way to his fifth title at Indian Wells. Federer, 37, warned fans not to read too much into his winning streak against 32-year-old Nadal. "I lot has happened in the past 18 months," he said. "You can't just copy and paste and play exactly the same thing again. "It's been quite a journey with Rafa side by side." Nadal spoke glowingly of how much the rivalry meant. "It's beautiful to have the chance to keep competing at the highest level in advanced rounds, in the most important event at that late (in) our careers," he said. "That's something really special and (I'm) just happy to be part of it." Saturday's other semi-final will match Austrian seventh seed Dominic Thiem against Canadian 13th seed Milos Raonic.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to clash in Indian Wells semi-final

Canadian sensation Bianca Andreescu toppled sixth-ranked Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 on Friday and will face Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber for the WTA title in Indian Wells.

Germany's Kerber, ranked eighth in the world, ended Belinda Bencic's 12-match winning streak with a 6-4, 6-2 victory to reach the final in the California desert for the first time in her third semi-final appearance.

Kerber won the last four games of the opening set and the last three games of the second to subdue Bencic, who was coming off her first WTA title in four years in Dubai.

The 22-year-old Swiss, whose career was disrupted by a string of back and wrist injuries, had beaten six top-10 players in her winning streak, including world number one and defending Indian Wells champion Naomi Osaka in the fourth round here.

But she couldn't find a way past Kerber, who broke Bencic from 30-0 down in the final game of the opening set.

Kerber dropped her serve in the opening game of the second set, but broke Bencic twice to lead 3-1 before the Swiss clawed back another break.

But Kerber, taking full advantage of Bencic's 27 unforced errors in the match, won the next three games, to clinch it.

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A quick word from your <a href="https://twitter.com/Bandreescu_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BAndreescu_</a> after her big win! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO19</a> <a href="https://t.co/cfmM4wSaPV">pic.twitter.com/cfmM4wSaPV</a>
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"It's always tough to play against Belinda," Kerber said. "She played so great in the past few weeks.

"I was trying to focus only on my side of the court. I was trying to play concentrated, and going for it when I had the chance.

"I really enjoy the semi-finals here - it was already twice here, and I'm really happy to be in the final for the first time now."&nbsp;

Kerber, 31, will be playing 18-year-old Andreescu for the first time.

"I'm really looking forward to a really tough battle. She's here as a wild card, and she beat a lot of good players," Kerber said. "She has nothing to lose, she enjoys her tennis and she's a great player."

Andreescu, ranked 60th in the world after starting the year at 152, continued a stellar run that included a quarter-final victory over former world number one Garbine Muguruza.

She's the first wild card to reach the women's final at Indian Wells.

Making history

"It's incredible," she beamed when told of the achievement. "Another goal of mine was to make history and I just did."

"I really need a moment to soak this all in. This is just so incredible," an emotional Andreescu told the crowd. "This past week has been a dream come true."

Andreescu, who came through qualifying to reach the final at Auckland and made the semi-finals in Acapulco in February, had to dig deep to close it out against Svitolina, who saved on match point against her serve in the penultimate game to force Andreescu to serve it out.

It would take three more match points for a weary-looking Andreescu to succeed, when another baseline rally ended with Svitolina firing a forehand into the net.

"I really need a moment to soak all this in," said an emotional Andreescu, who was battling cramp in the closing games.

"I think the cramping was because I was so stressed out with everything," Andreescu said. "But I have had many moments like this in the past, playing Challenger events, juniors. Breathing really helps for me, so I took a lot of deep breaths and I tried not to get mad at myself. It really worked.

"It was a roller coaster," she said. "I'm really happy I pulled through."

Canadian sensation Bianca Andreescu toppled sixth-ranked Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 on Friday and will face Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber for the WTA title in Indian Wells.

Canadian sensation Bianca Andreescu toppled sixth-ranked Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 on Friday and will face Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber for the WTA title in Indian Wells. Germany's Kerber, ranked eighth in the world, ended Belinda Bencic's 12-match winning streak with a 6-4, 6-2 victory to reach the final in the California desert for the first time in her third semi-final appearance. Kerber won the last four games of the opening set and the last three games of the second to subdue Bencic, who was coming off her first WTA title in four years in Dubai. The 22-year-old Swiss, whose career was disrupted by a string of back and wrist injuries, had beaten six top-10 players in her winning streak, including world number one and defending Indian Wells champion Naomi Osaka in the fourth round here. But she couldn't find a way past Kerber, who broke Bencic from 30-0 down in the final game of the opening set. Kerber dropped her serve in the opening game of the second set, but broke Bencic twice to lead 3-1 before the Swiss clawed back another break. But Kerber, taking full advantage of Bencic's 27 unforced errors in the match, won the next three games, to clinch it. A quick word from your @BAndreescu_ after her big win! #BNPPO19 pic.twitter.com/cfmM4wSaPV — WTA (@WTA) March 16, 2019 × "It's always tough to play against Belinda," Kerber said. "She played so great in the past few weeks. "I was trying to focus only on my side of the court. I was trying to play concentrated, and going for it when I had the chance. "I really enjoy the semi-finals here - it was already twice here, and I'm really happy to be in the final for the first time now." Kerber, 31, will be playing 18-year-old Andreescu for the first time. "I'm really looking forward to a really tough battle. She's here as a wild card, and she beat a lot of good players," Kerber said. "She has nothing to lose, she enjoys her tennis and she's a great player." Andreescu, ranked 60th in the world after starting the year at 152, continued a stellar run that included a quarter-final victory over former world number one Garbine Muguruza. She's the first wild card to reach the women's final at Indian Wells. Making history "It's incredible," she beamed when told of the achievement. "Another goal of mine was to make history and I just did." "I really need a moment to soak this all in. This is just so incredible," an emotional Andreescu told the crowd. "This past week has been a dream come true." Andreescu, who came through qualifying to reach the final at Auckland and made the semi-finals in Acapulco in February, had to dig deep to close it out against Svitolina, who saved on match point against her serve in the penultimate game to force Andreescu to serve it out. It would take three more match points for a weary-looking Andreescu to succeed, when another baseline rally ended with Svitolina firing a forehand into the net. "I really need a moment to soak all this in," said an emotional Andreescu, who was battling cramp in the closing games. "I think the cramping was because I was so stressed out with everything," Andreescu said. "But I have had many moments like this in the past, playing Challenger events, juniors. Breathing really helps for me, so I took a lot of deep breaths and I tried not to get mad at myself. It really worked. "It was a roller coaster," she said. "I'm really happy I pulled through."

Canadian teen Bianca Andreescu to face Angelique Kerber in Indian Wells final

Canadian Milos Raonic fired down 13 aces to defeat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-4 and set up a BNP Paribas Open semi-final against Dominic Thiem after the Austrian's opponent, Gael Monfils, withdrew injured before their match on Thursday.&nbsp;

Serbian teenager Kecmanovic failed to convert any of his three break-point opportunities against a ruthless Raonic, who unleashed a torrent of punishing groundstrokes on a sunny and breezy day in Indian Wells.&nbsp;

The 13th seed's serving accuracy was not as precise as it has been, with just over half of his first deliveries finding the target, but when he was able to get one in play the Canadian won 88 per cent of those points.&nbsp;

"In a few key moments my serve really helped me out," said Raonic, who reached the semis for the second year in a row.&nbsp;

"I just tried to play consistent, be aggressive when I had the first chance."&nbsp;

The Canadian will face Thiem for a place in the final after the seventh seed's quarter-final opponent Monfils said he was unable to play due to an injured Achilles.&nbsp;

"I tried to warm up and my left Achilles was very painful for the last couple of days," the Frenchman told the crowd.&nbsp;

"Tonight I tried to hit a little bit and I can't compete 100 per cent.&nbsp;

"I am so sorry to put myself in this situation and I would like to thank you for everything you've given me this week and again I'm sorry for tonight."&nbsp;

The injury is a setback in an otherwise impressive season for Monfils, who has notched 15 wins, the most of any player on the ATP Tour.&nbsp;

Raonic has defeated Thiem in their two previous meetings, both of which came on hard courts in 2016.&nbsp;

Canadian Milos Raonic fired down 13 aces to defeat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-4 and set up a BNP Paribas Open semi-final against Dominic Thiem after the Austrian's opponent, Gael Monfils, withdrew injured before their match on Thursday.

Canadian Milos Raonic fired down 13 aces to defeat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-4 and set up a BNP Paribas Open semi-final against Dominic Thiem after the Austrian's opponent, Gael Monfils, withdrew injured before their match on Thursday. Serbian teenager Kecmanovic failed to convert any of his three break-point opportunities against a ruthless Raonic, who unleashed a torrent of punishing groundstrokes on a sunny and breezy day in Indian Wells. The 13th seed's serving accuracy was not as precise as it has been, with just over half of his first deliveries finding the target, but when he was able to get one in play the Canadian won 88 per cent of those points. "In a few key moments my serve really helped me out," said Raonic, who reached the semis for the second year in a row. "I just tried to play consistent, be aggressive when I had the first chance." The Canadian will face Thiem for a place in the final after the seventh seed's quarter-final opponent Monfils said he was unable to play due to an injured Achilles. "I tried to warm up and my left Achilles was very painful for the last couple of days," the Frenchman told the crowd. "Tonight I tried to hit a little bit and I can't compete 100 per cent. "I am so sorry to put myself in this situation and I would like to thank you for everything you've given me this week and again I'm sorry for tonight." The injury is a setback in an otherwise impressive season for Monfils, who has notched 15 wins, the most of any player on the ATP Tour. Raonic has defeated Thiem in their two previous meetings, both of which came on hard courts in 2016.

Milos Raonic downs Miomir Kecmanovic, Dominic Thiem gets walk over at Indian Wells

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

Philipp Kohlschreiber stunned Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-4 in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday, sending the world number one tumbling out of a tournament he had won five times.

The German punched the air in celebration after a video review confirmed that his forehand winner caught the line on match point to seal the upset victory in Indian Wells.

The top-seeded Serb, who had not dropped a set in four matches since the round of 16 at the Australian Open in January, looked out-of-sorts throughout the 98-minute contest.

He committed 27 unforced errors, converted just one of his five break point opportunities and destroyed his racket at one point when frustration boiled over on a sunny day in the Southern California desert.

His sloppy play did not diminish the 35-year-old Kohlschreiber's joy at defeating a number one ranked player for the first time in his long career, however.

"It's a very special moment. Of course, playing the top guys is always a big pleasure, but most of the time they beat you," Kohlschreiber said in an on-court interview.

"Today, with Novak being number one, top-seeded here, it's a very incredible win for me."

Djokovic tipped his cap to the veteran after the match.

"He's been around for so many years and he doesn't really get overwhelmed by the occasion of playing on center court," he told reporters. "He's proven he can win against top guys."

Kohlschreiber will not have long to celebrate, however, as the overnight interruption of his match against Djokovic for rain means he will be back on court for a fourth-round meeting with France's Gael Monfils on Wednesday.

Djokovic's loss came on the same day that women's world number one Naomi Osaka saw her title defence hopes dashed, falling 6-3 6-1 to Belinda Bencic.

In another upset earlier, Pole Hubert Hurkacz fired 10 aces en route to a 4-6 6-4 6-3 win over world number seven Kei Nishikori of Japan to reach the fourth round.

The 67th-ranked Hurkacz needed just over two hours to complete the comeback win over the 2014 U.S. Open finalist.

SHAPOVALOV RAPS TO FANS AFTER WIN

The 22-year-old will next face Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov, who continued his run of dominant serving without being broken on his way to an impressive 6-4 6-2 win over 10th seeded Croat Marin Cilic.

After the match Shapovalov expressed his appreciation for his fans by rapping a song from the sun-soaked court three.

"Take care and good night, know this the good life, hot tubs and court time, Thursday we back alright!" he rapped at the end of the song, which got a roar of approval from the audience.

In another upset during the day session Russian 14th seed Daniil Medvedev fell 6-3 6-2 to Serbia's world number 113 Filip Krajinovic.

Krajinovic will be a big underdog when he faces Spain's world number two Rafa Nadal, who crushed Argentine Diego Schwartzman 6-3 6-1 on the showcase court to reach the last 16.

World number four Roger Federer needed under an hour to defeat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-3 6-4 and will next face Briton Kyle Edmund, who defeated Radu Albot in straight sets earlier in the day.

American John Isner never faced a break point during his comfortable 6-3 6-4 win over Guido Pella.

The big-serving 2012 Indian Wells finalist will face Russian Karen Khachanov after he defeated countryman Andrey Rublev 7-5 6-3 in their fourth round match.

Philipp Kohlschreiber stunned Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-4 in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday, sending the world number one tumbling out of a tournament he had won five times.

Philipp Kohlschreiber stunned Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-4 in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday, sending the world number one tumbling out of a tournament he had won five times. The German punched the air in celebration after a video review confirmed that his forehand winner caught the line on match point to seal the upset victory in Indian Wells. The top-seeded Serb, who had not dropped a set in four matches since the round of 16 at the Australian Open in January, looked out-of-sorts throughout the 98-minute contest. He committed 27 unforced errors, converted just one of his five break point opportunities and destroyed his racket at one point when frustration boiled over on a sunny day in the Southern California desert. His sloppy play did not diminish the 35-year-old Kohlschreiber's joy at defeating a number one ranked player for the first time in his long career, however. "It's a very special moment. Of course, playing the top guys is always a big pleasure, but most of the time they beat you," Kohlschreiber said in an on-court interview. "Today, with Novak being number one, top-seeded here, it's a very incredible win for me." Djokovic tipped his cap to the veteran after the match. "He's been around for so many years and he doesn't really get overwhelmed by the occasion of playing on center court," he told reporters. "He's proven he can win against top guys." Kohlschreiber will not have long to celebrate, however, as the overnight interruption of his match against Djokovic for rain means he will be back on court for a fourth-round meeting with France's Gael Monfils on Wednesday. Djokovic's loss came on the same day that women's world number one Naomi Osaka saw her title defence hopes dashed, falling 6-3 6-1 to Belinda Bencic. In another upset earlier, Pole Hubert Hurkacz fired 10 aces en route to a 4-6 6-4 6-3 win over world number seven Kei Nishikori of Japan to reach the fourth round. The 67th-ranked Hurkacz needed just over two hours to complete the comeback win over the 2014 U.S. Open finalist. SHAPOVALOV RAPS TO FANS AFTER WIN The 22-year-old will next face Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov, who continued his run of dominant serving without being broken on his way to an impressive 6-4 6-2 win over 10th seeded Croat Marin Cilic. After the match Shapovalov expressed his appreciation for his fans by rapping a song from the sun-soaked court three. "Take care and good night, know this the good life, hot tubs and court time, Thursday we back alright!" he rapped at the end of the song, which got a roar of approval from the audience. In another upset during the day session Russian 14th seed Daniil Medvedev fell 6-3 6-2 to Serbia's world number 113 Filip Krajinovic. Krajinovic will be a big underdog when he faces Spain's world number two Rafa Nadal, who crushed Argentine Diego Schwartzman 6-3 6-1 on the showcase court to reach the last 16. World number four Roger Federer needed under an hour to defeat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-3 6-4 and will next face Briton Kyle Edmund, who defeated Radu Albot in straight sets earlier in the day. American John Isner never faced a break point during his comfortable 6-3 6-4 win over Guido Pella. The big-serving 2012 Indian Wells finalist will face Russian Karen Khachanov after he defeated countryman Andrey Rublev 7-5 6-3 in their fourth round match.

Novak Djokovic stunned by Kohlschreiber at Indian Wells

Naomi Osaka followed Simona Halep through the exit door at the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday as the top two players in the world were sent packing in the fourth round at Indian Wells.

World number one Osaka never found her rhythm against Belinda Bencic as the Swiss used her precise groundstrokes and pinpoint serving to topple the defending champion 6-3 6-1 in just over an hour.

The 22-year-old Bencic, who has risen as high as world number seven before missing time with injuries, hit a forehand volley on match point to seal the win and send her into the quarter-finals.

"I was really happy with the performance," Bencic told Tennis Channel. "It wasn't as easy as the result is saying and I didn't expect it like that, so definitely happy."

Bencic, the world number 23, has made a habit of upending top 10 players of late, defeating four en route to winning the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships last month.

She will have another shot at a top-10 player when she takes on hard-hitting world number five Karolina Pliskova, who smashed 13 aces to dispatch Anett Kontaveit 7-6(0) 4-6 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals.

Osaka's loss ended a bad day for world number ones after the men's top player, Serb Novak Djokovic, fell 6-4 6-4 to Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Earlier in the day, Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova ran Halep ragged before dumping the Romanian out of the tournament 6-2 3-6 6-2.

Halep, who received medical treatment for blisters on her foot during the match, won less than half of her first-service points and hit just six winners to go with 36 unforced errors.

"I was running too much and too defensive," the Romanian told reporters. "But it's everything I could do today."

Halep's loss ensured Osaka will retain her number one ranking after the tournament.

The win was 19-year-old Vondrousova's first over a top-10 player in six attempts.

"I think I'm playing well all week but this is something special because she's number two in the world," Vondrousova said. "I was just fighting for every point."

Another teenager, unseeded Canadian Bianca Andreescu, upset 18th seed Wang Qiang of China 7-5 6-2 to book her place in the quarters. The win was the 18-year-old Andreescu's 25th of the year, the most of any WTA player.

She will next face Garbine Muguruza after the Spaniard battled back to dispatch Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands 5-7 6-1 6-4.

Ukrainian Elina Svitolina came from a break down in the third set to defeat Australian Ashleigh Barty 7-6(8) 5-7 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

Naomi Osaka followed Simona Halep through the exit door at the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday as the top two players in the world were sent packing in the fourth round at Indian Wells.

Naomi Osaka followed Simona Halep through the exit door at the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday as the top two players in the world were sent packing in the fourth round at Indian Wells. World number one Osaka never found her rhythm against Belinda Bencic as the Swiss used her precise groundstrokes and pinpoint serving to topple the defending champion 6-3 6-1 in just over an hour. The 22-year-old Bencic, who has risen as high as world number seven before missing time with injuries, hit a forehand volley on match point to seal the win and send her into the quarter-finals. "I was really happy with the performance," Bencic told Tennis Channel. "It wasn't as easy as the result is saying and I didn't expect it like that, so definitely happy." Bencic, the world number 23, has made a habit of upending top 10 players of late, defeating four en route to winning the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships last month. She will have another shot at a top-10 player when she takes on hard-hitting world number five Karolina Pliskova, who smashed 13 aces to dispatch Anett Kontaveit 7-6(0) 4-6 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals. Osaka's loss ended a bad day for world number ones after the men's top player, Serb Novak Djokovic, fell 6-4 6-4 to Philipp Kohlschreiber. Earlier in the day, Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova ran Halep ragged before dumping the Romanian out of the tournament 6-2 3-6 6-2. Halep, who received medical treatment for blisters on her foot during the match, won less than half of her first-service points and hit just six winners to go with 36 unforced errors. "I was running too much and too defensive," the Romanian told reporters. "But it's everything I could do today." Halep's loss ensured Osaka will retain her number one ranking after the tournament. The win was 19-year-old Vondrousova's first over a top-10 player in six attempts. "I think I'm playing well all week but this is something special because she's number two in the world," Vondrousova said. "I was just fighting for every point." Another teenager, unseeded Canadian Bianca Andreescu, upset 18th seed Wang Qiang of China 7-5 6-2 to book her place in the quarters. The win was the 18-year-old Andreescu's 25th of the year, the most of any WTA player. She will next face Garbine Muguruza after the Spaniard battled back to dispatch Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands 5-7 6-1 6-4. Ukrainian Elina Svitolina came from a break down in the third set to defeat Australian Ashleigh Barty 7-6(8) 5-7 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time.

Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep sent packing from Indian Wells

Alexander Zverev was sent packing from the BNP Paribas Open with a 6-3, 6-1 defeat by fellow German Jan-Lennard Struff in the third round at Indian Wells, California on Monday.&nbsp;

The night match between world number one Novak Djokovic, who is playing his first tournament since his Australian Open triumph in January, and Philipp Kohlschreiber was suspended with the top seed leading 1-0.&nbsp;

Struff saved all four break points he faced and took barely an hour to clinch his first career win over Zverev in five attempts.

"I have been sick for a week. That hasn't changed unfortunately," third seed Zverev told reporters. "I think I just got unlucky, got a virus somewhere and that's how it is."

Zverev lost to Nick Kyrgios in the final of the Acapulco tournament in Mexico nine days ago.

He said his main focus was to recover for the Miami Open that starts in Florida next week.

Next up for 55th-ranked Struff will be Canadian 13th seed Milos Raonic, who had his hands full before prevailing against American qualifier Marcos Giron 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

"He came up with the goods and definitely pushed me to the brink there where I was getting a little bit frustrated," Raonic told reporters after converting three of his 12 break points.

"I think I created a lot of chances and a few maybe I didn't take the way I would have liked but he also stepped up well on his chances.

"I just kept missing opportunities. I could have drifted off a few times mentally."

Giron rued what might have been after failing to capitalise on a winning position.

"Even though he's a big favourite, it still hurts to lose, being up a break in the third," said the world 217.

"He really stayed disciplined. He kept fighting and putting ball in the court and I made a few mistakes. I think he showed why he's one of the best players."

Seventh seed Dominic Thiem beat Gilles Simon 6-3 6-1 while Croat Ivo Karlovic defeated Indian qualifier Prajnesh Gunneswaran 6-3, 7-6(3).

Alexander Zverev was sent packing from the BNP Paribas Open with a 6-3, 6-1 defeat by fellow German Jan-Lennard Struff in the third round at Indian Wells, California on Monday.

Alexander Zverev was sent packing from the BNP Paribas Open with a 6-3, 6-1 defeat by fellow German Jan-Lennard Struff in the third round at Indian Wells, California on Monday. The night match between world number one Novak Djokovic, who is playing his first tournament since his Australian Open triumph in January, and Philipp Kohlschreiber was suspended with the top seed leading 1-0. Struff saved all four break points he faced and took barely an hour to clinch his first career win over Zverev in five attempts. "I have been sick for a week. That hasn't changed unfortunately," third seed Zverev told reporters. "I think I just got unlucky, got a virus somewhere and that's how it is." Zverev lost to Nick Kyrgios in the final of the Acapulco tournament in Mexico nine days ago. He said his main focus was to recover for the Miami Open that starts in Florida next week. Next up for 55th-ranked Struff will be Canadian 13th seed Milos Raonic, who had his hands full before prevailing against American qualifier Marcos Giron 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. "He came up with the goods and definitely pushed me to the brink there where I was getting a little bit frustrated," Raonic told reporters after converting three of his 12 break points. "I think I created a lot of chances and a few maybe I didn't take the way I would have liked but he also stepped up well on his chances. "I just kept missing opportunities. I could have drifted off a few times mentally." Giron rued what might have been after failing to capitalise on a winning position. "Even though he's a big favourite, it still hurts to lose, being up a break in the third," said the world 217. "He really stayed disciplined. He kept fighting and putting ball in the court and I made a few mistakes. I think he showed why he's one of the best players." Seventh seed Dominic Thiem beat Gilles Simon 6-3 6-1 while Croat Ivo Karlovic defeated Indian qualifier Prajnesh Gunneswaran 6-3, 7-6(3).

Alexander Zverev beaten by compatriot Struff at Indian Wells

World number one Naomi Osaka powered into the fourth round at <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/alexander-zverev-beaten-by-compatriot-struff-at-indian-wells-202845">Indian Wells</a> on Monday after a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Danielle Collins.

The 21-year-old Japanese had a shaky start when she was broken early in the first set but quickly found her groove and broke the American four times and struck 29 winners to advance.

The US&nbsp;and Australian Open champion, who is also defending the title at Indian Wells, will next face Switzerland's Belinda Bencic, who beat Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 6-2.

The duo were joined in the fourth round by seven-times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, who defeated qualifier Christina McHale 6-2, 7-5.

The 38-year-old Williams, who showed her mettle in the second round where she upset world number three Petra Kvitova, will meet unseeded German Mona Barthel in the fourth round.

"I feel definitely more comfortable going into that match than, for example, today," Williams told reporters.

"I had never played (McHale) before, so you feel like you don't really know what's going to happen.

Earlier, Latvian 11th seed Anastasija Sevastova became the latest player to be stuck down with a viral illness at the tournament.

Sevastova was down 5-0 in the first set of her third round match with Estonian 21st seed Anett Kontaveit when she retired.

Her departure came less than 24 hours after Serena Williams was unable to continue her match on Sunday, also citing a viral illness.

Men's third seed Alexander Zverev also said on Monday after losing to fellow German Jan-Lennard Struff that he too had a virus.

Among those women still feeling healthy, three-times grand slam champion Angelique Kerber battled back to beat Russian qualifier Natalia Vikhlyantseva 3-6, 6-1, 6-3.

Kerber took a while to warm to her task on a cool morning in the California desert.

"She was playing really fast and flat, so that was something I was not really expecting," the German said of her opponent.

"I was trying to adjust, especially with my movement at the end of the first set and beginning of the second, and I think that was the key to coming back."

Fifth seed Karolina Pliskova was not at her very best but still prevailed 6-3, 6-2 over Ysaline Bonaventure.

"I felt somehow strange and the match was strange," said Pliskova.

World number one Naomi Osaka powered into the fourth round at Indian Wells on Monday after a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Danielle Collins. The 21-year-old Japanese had a shaky start when she was broken early in the first set but quickly found her groove and broke the American four times and struck 29 winners to advance.

World number one Naomi Osaka powered into the fourth round at Indian Wells on Monday after a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Danielle Collins. The 21-year-old Japanese had a shaky start when she was broken early in the first set but quickly found her groove and broke the American four times and struck 29 winners to advance. The US and Australian Open champion, who is also defending the title at Indian Wells, will next face Switzerland's Belinda Bencic, who beat Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 6-2. The duo were joined in the fourth round by seven-times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, who defeated qualifier Christina McHale 6-2, 7-5. The 38-year-old Williams, who showed her mettle in the second round where she upset world number three Petra Kvitova, will meet unseeded German Mona Barthel in the fourth round. "I feel definitely more comfortable going into that match than, for example, today," Williams told reporters. "I had never played (McHale) before, so you feel like you don't really know what's going to happen. Earlier, Latvian 11th seed Anastasija Sevastova became the latest player to be stuck down with a viral illness at the tournament. Sevastova was down 5-0 in the first set of her third round match with Estonian 21st seed Anett Kontaveit when she retired. Her departure came less than 24 hours after Serena Williams was unable to continue her match on Sunday, also citing a viral illness. Men's third seed Alexander Zverev also said on Monday after losing to fellow German Jan-Lennard Struff that he too had a virus. Among those women still feeling healthy, three-times grand slam champion Angelique Kerber battled back to beat Russian qualifier Natalia Vikhlyantseva 3-6, 6-1, 6-3. Kerber took a while to warm to her task on a cool morning in the California desert. "She was playing really fast and flat, so that was something I was not really expecting," the German said of her opponent. "I was trying to adjust, especially with my movement at the end of the first set and beginning of the second, and I think that was the key to coming back." Fifth seed Karolina Pliskova was not at her very best but still prevailed 6-3, 6-2 over Ysaline Bonaventure. "I felt somehow strange and the match was strange," said Pliskova.

Naomi Osaka powers into fourth round at Indian Wells

World number two Simona Halep survived a tough challenge from Ukrainian qualifier Kateryna Kozlova to win their third round match 7-6(3), 7-5 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, on Sunday.

The Romanian finally put away the 114th ranked Kozlova with eight consecutive points in the second set, a backhand winner proving the decider just as it had in the first set.

"It was difficult for me to close out those sets," Halep told reporters, praising Kozlova.

"When I was leading the match, she played without fear."

The victory advanced the French Open champion, who won Indian Wells in 2015, to the fourth round for the fifth time in six years.

The meeting was the first between the pair and featured big momentum swings.

After Kozlova claimed a 3-2 advantage in the first set, Halep won three consecutive games to go to set point at 5-3 on Kozlova's serve.

With the former world number one's groundstrokes failing her, Kozlova reeled off 11 of the next 12 points, breaking back for 5-5 with a forehand winner.

Halep finally won the set on her third opportunity with another trademark backhand down the line.

The Romanian took four successive games for a 5-2 lead in the second set, but Kozlova again rallied to even the match at 5-5 before Halep reeled off the eight straight points to seal the win.

World number two Simona Halep survived a tough challenge from Ukrainian qualifier Kateryna Kozlova to win their third round match 7-6(3), 7-5 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, on Sunday.

World number two Simona Halep survived a tough challenge from Ukrainian qualifier Kateryna Kozlova to win their third round match 7-6(3), 7-5 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, on Sunday. The Romanian finally put away the 114th ranked Kozlova with eight consecutive points in the second set, a backhand winner proving the decider just as it had in the first set. "It was difficult for me to close out those sets," Halep told reporters, praising Kozlova. "When I was leading the match, she played without fear." The victory advanced the French Open champion, who won Indian Wells in 2015, to the fourth round for the fifth time in six years. The meeting was the first between the pair and featured big momentum swings. After Kozlova claimed a 3-2 advantage in the first set, Halep won three consecutive games to go to set point at 5-3 on Kozlova's serve. With the former world number one's groundstrokes failing her, Kozlova reeled off 11 of the next 12 points, breaking back for 5-5 with a forehand winner. Halep finally won the set on her third opportunity with another trademark backhand down the line. The Romanian took four successive games for a 5-2 lead in the second set, but Kozlova again rallied to even the match at 5-5 before Halep reeled off the eight straight points to seal the win.

Simona Halep claims tough win over qualifier Kateryna Kozlova

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