Serena Williams retired with a viral illness from her third-round WTA match at Indian Wells on Sunday while trailing Garbine Muguruza 6-3, 1-0 in a battle of former world number ones.&nbsp;

Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, was seeded 10th as she continues to work her way back up the rankings in the wake of time off to have a baby.

She got off to a strong start, winning the first three games of the match, but called for the trainer after losing six straight to the Spaniard.&nbsp;

After a long talk with the trainer, Williams took the court for the second set, but called it a day after Muguruza held at love in the opening game.&nbsp;

It was a disappointing end to Williams's second tournament of 2019, after a quarter-final exit at the Australian Open.&nbsp;

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First set to <a href="https://twitter.com/GarbiMuguruza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GarbiMuguruza</a> ! 
 
Leads Serena Williams 6-3!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO19</a> <a href="https://t.co/dfUaCDjEZq">pic.twitter.com/dfUaCDjEZq</a>
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Williams and Muguruza were meeting for the sixth time. All five of their prior matches came in Grand Slams, the last two in Grand Slam finals with Williams winning at Wimbledon in 2015 and Muguruza walking off with the 2016 French Open crown.&nbsp;

"We've played many times and it's always super-tough, super-exciting," said Muguruza, currently ranked 20th in the world. "I wish I'm going to see her soon and feeling better."&nbsp;

Muguruza said she first realized that Williams&nbsp;wasn't feeling well when she sought the trainer after the opening set.&nbsp;

"I think she started playing well, right away with her serve, with her shots, being very dominating," Muguruza said. "I had to adapt a little bit my position in the court, the way I was hitting. It took me a few games to do it. Once I did I felt much more comfortable to be able to release my tennis."&nbsp;

Muguruza next faces seventh-seeded Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, a 7-6 (12/10), 6-4 winner over Britain's Johanna Konta.&nbsp;

Serena Williams retired with a viral illness from her third-round WTA match at Indian Wells on Sunday while trailing Garbine Muguruza 6-3, 1-0 in a battle of former world number ones.

Serena Williams retired with a viral illness from her third-round WTA match at Indian Wells on Sunday while trailing Garbine Muguruza 6-3, 1-0 in a battle of former world number ones. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, was seeded 10th as she continues to work her way back up the rankings in the wake of time off to have a baby. She got off to a strong start, winning the first three games of the match, but called for the trainer after losing six straight to the Spaniard. After a long talk with the trainer, Williams took the court for the second set, but called it a day after Muguruza held at love in the opening game. It was a disappointing end to Williams's second tournament of 2019, after a quarter-final exit at the Australian Open. First set to @GarbiMuguruza ! Leads Serena Williams 6-3!#BNPPO19 pic.twitter.com/dfUaCDjEZq — WTA (@WTA) March 10, 2019 × Williams and Muguruza were meeting for the sixth time. All five of their prior matches came in Grand Slams, the last two in Grand Slam finals with Williams winning at Wimbledon in 2015 and Muguruza walking off with the 2016 French Open crown. "We've played many times and it's always super-tough, super-exciting," said Muguruza, currently ranked 20th in the world. "I wish I'm going to see her soon and feeling better." Muguruza said she first realized that Williams wasn't feeling well when she sought the trainer after the opening set. "I think she started playing well, right away with her serve, with her shots, being very dominating," Muguruza said. "I had to adapt a little bit my position in the court, the way I was hitting. It took me a few games to do it. Once I did I felt much more comfortable to be able to release my tennis." Muguruza next faces seventh-seeded Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, a 7-6 (12/10), 6-4 winner over Britain's Johanna Konta.

Serena Williams retires from 3rd round match at Indian Wells

World number two Rafael Nadal raced into the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters as Roger Federer made a less speedy but still successful start to his quest for a sixth title on Sunday.

Nadal, a three-time Indian Wells winner, needed just 72 minutes to get past overmatched Jared Donaldson, 6-1, 6-1.

Federer, who is seeking to break out of a tie with top seed Novak Djokovic for most titles in the California desert, looked set for a similarly easy time of it, but had to turn back a second-set challenge from German Peter Gojowczyk in a 6-1, 7-5 win.

Fourth-seeded Federer said he was relieved not to go to a second-set tiebreaker after falling behind 3-1 to the free-swinging German, who is ranked 85th in the world.

The Swiss regained the break and, after saving four break points to make it 4-4, cruised home.

"I struggled a little bit with my serving in that second set and that gave him chances. Because he was serving better, he started to swing more freely and then it was tough," Federer said.&nbsp;

"I'm really happy I found a way in that second set."

Federer next faces compatriot Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion currently unseeded as he continues his return from injury.

Wawrinka won a taut thriller against 29th-seeded Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, finally sealing it on his fifth match point after three hours and 24 minutes when Fucsovics lofted a lob long.

'Positive step'

Nadal, playing his third tournament of a year that started with a crushing loss to Djokovic in the Australian Open final and included an early exit in Acapulco, converted five of his six break chances against Donaldson and never faced a break point himself.

He next faces Diego Schwartzman, who beat Spain's Roberto Carballes, 6-3, 6-1. Nadal is 6-0 against the Argentine.

"Today was a very positive step for me, and the next one is going to be against a player that we know each other very well -- we practiced a lot of times, and we played some tough matches," Nadal said.&nbsp;

"It's going to be a tough one against Diego," he added, calling Schwartzman "one of the best talents of the sport today."

In other early matches, sixth-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan survived a scare in a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) victory over France's Adrian Mannarino.

Mannarino, ranked 52nd in the world, served for the match at 6-5 in the third.

He couldn't muster a match point and double-faulted on break point, and that was enough of a window for Nishikori.

"I think in the tiebreak I played the best tennis of the match. I was really focused," said Nishikori, who opened 2019 with a title in Brisbane and then reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

Nishikori next faces 67th-ranked Hubert Hurkacz of Poland, who defeated France's Lucas Pouille, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.

Eighth-seeded American John Isner routed Australian qualifier Alexei Popyrin, 6-0, 6-2, the most lopsided win of Isner's career.

He'll play Guido Pella, who won his first title at Sao Paulo last week. Pella ended the hopes of another Aussie qualifier, Alex Bolt, 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-3.

Tenth-seeded Croatian Marin Cilic downed Serbian Dusan Lajovic, 6-3, 6-4 to book a meeting with 19-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the 24th seed who beat American Steve Johnson, 6-3, 6-4.

World number two Rafael Nadal raced into the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters as Roger Federer made a less speedy but still successful start to his quest for a sixth title on Sunday.

World number two Rafael Nadal raced into the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters as Roger Federer made a less speedy but still successful start to his quest for a sixth title on Sunday. Nadal, a three-time Indian Wells winner, needed just 72 minutes to get past overmatched Jared Donaldson, 6-1, 6-1. Federer, who is seeking to break out of a tie with top seed Novak Djokovic for most titles in the California desert, looked set for a similarly easy time of it, but had to turn back a second-set challenge from German Peter Gojowczyk in a 6-1, 7-5 win. Fourth-seeded Federer said he was relieved not to go to a second-set tiebreaker after falling behind 3-1 to the free-swinging German, who is ranked 85th in the world. The Swiss regained the break and, after saving four break points to make it 4-4, cruised home. "I struggled a little bit with my serving in that second set and that gave him chances. Because he was serving better, he started to swing more freely and then it was tough," Federer said. "I'm really happy I found a way in that second set." Federer next faces compatriot Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion currently unseeded as he continues his return from injury. Wawrinka won a taut thriller against 29th-seeded Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, finally sealing it on his fifth match point after three hours and 24 minutes when Fucsovics lofted a lob long. 'Positive step' Nadal, playing his third tournament of a year that started with a crushing loss to Djokovic in the Australian Open final and included an early exit in Acapulco, converted five of his six break chances against Donaldson and never faced a break point himself. He next faces Diego Schwartzman, who beat Spain's Roberto Carballes, 6-3, 6-1. Nadal is 6-0 against the Argentine. "Today was a very positive step for me, and the next one is going to be against a player that we know each other very well -- we practiced a lot of times, and we played some tough matches," Nadal said. "It's going to be a tough one against Diego," he added, calling Schwartzman "one of the best talents of the sport today." In other early matches, sixth-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan survived a scare in a 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) victory over France's Adrian Mannarino. Mannarino, ranked 52nd in the world, served for the match at 6-5 in the third. He couldn't muster a match point and double-faulted on break point, and that was enough of a window for Nishikori. "I think in the tiebreak I played the best tennis of the match. I was really focused," said Nishikori, who opened 2019 with a title in Brisbane and then reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open. Nishikori next faces 67th-ranked Hubert Hurkacz of Poland, who defeated France's Lucas Pouille, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. Eighth-seeded American John Isner routed Australian qualifier Alexei Popyrin, 6-0, 6-2, the most lopsided win of Isner's career. He'll play Guido Pella, who won his first title at Sao Paulo last week. Pella ended the hopes of another Aussie qualifier, Alex Bolt, 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-3. Tenth-seeded Croatian Marin Cilic downed Serbian Dusan Lajovic, 6-3, 6-4 to book a meeting with 19-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the 24th seed who beat American Steve Johnson, 6-3, 6-4.

Past champions Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer advance at Indian Wells

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

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

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

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

World number one Novak Djokovic shook off a nervy start to dispatch US qualifier Bjorn Fratangelo in straight sets Saturday to reach the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters.

Djokovic, playing his first match since winning a record seventh Australian Open title in January, was less than sharp in conceding an early break to his 128th-ranked rival.

He broke back as Fratangelo served for the set to knot it at 5-5, and then raced to a 4-1 lead in the tiebreaker.

Djokovic had to dig deep, however, when Fratangelo battled back to lead the tiebreaker 5-4.&nbsp;

After a double fault and a forehand error from the 25-year-old American, Djokovic suddenly had a set point, and once he'd pocketed the set, the second went all his way.

"To be honest, I was a bit nervous in the beginning," admitted Djokovic, who is going for a record sixth Indian Wells title.

Djokovic, currently tied with Roger Federer on five wins in the California desert, can also tie world number two Rafael Nadal's record of 33 Masters 1000 titles.

"I haven't competed for over five weeks. I was a bit rusty in the first set. I was kind of waiting for him to do something with the ball rather than doing it myself.

"I was lucky to get the first set. After that, things went better for me," added Djokovic, who loped over to share a word with US great Pete Sampras in the stands after wrapping up the victory in one hour and 29 minutes.

Djokovic next faces German Philipp Kohlschreiber, a 6-4, 6-4 winner over Australian Nick Kyrgios.

Kyrgios, seeded 31st, was coming off a scintillating run to the Mexico Open title in Acapulco, where he defeated Nadal, ninth-ranked John Isner and, in the final, third-ranked German Alexander Zverev.

Kyrgios said it wasn't a matter of an emotional let-down in the wake of his first title in over a year.

"I didn't really have a problem getting up. I just didn't play well today," he said.

"He's an incredible competitor," Kyrgios said. "He knows how to win tennis matches."

As men's seeds swung into action after first-round byes, third-seeded Zverev advanced when Slovakian foe Martin Klizan retired with an ankle injury with the German leading 6-3, 2-0.

'Unbelievable' Augur-Aliassime

Action opened on stadium court with 18-year-old Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime powering past Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-4, 6-2, for his first win over a top-10 player.

In a battle of two ATP young guns, 58th-ranked Auger-Aliassime came out firing, and his aggression paid off with a victory over 20-year-old Tsitsipas, who shot to prominence with a victory over Federer at the Australian Open.

He moved into the top 10 for the first time with his runner-up finish to Federer in Dubai, where the Swiss great claimed a remarkable 100th career title.

But Tsitsipas could find no answer to Auger-Aliassime, who broke early in the first to gain the upper hand and seized a 2-1 lead with the first of two breaks in the second.

Auger-Aliassime saved all seven break points he faced -- six of them in the first set.

"It's unbelievable," Auger-Aliassime said. "I never expected to play that well today, to get my first top-10 win is special, against Stefanos who has been playing so well."

Auger-Aliassime, who next faces Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka, is one of four teens in the draw, along with countryman Denis Shapovalov, Alexei Popyrin and lucky loser Miomir Kecmanovic.

Kecmanovic gained entry into the second round in place of injured fifth-seed Kevin Anderson.

He made the most of his chance, beating Germany's Maximilian Marterer, 6-3, 6-2, to reach the third round.

At the other end of the age spectrum, 40-year-old Ivo Karlovic advanced with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over 11th-seeded Croatian Borna Coric.

World number one Novak Djokovic shook off a nervy start to dispatch US qualifier Bjorn Fratangelo in straight sets Saturday to reach the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters.

World number one Novak Djokovic shook off a nervy start to dispatch US qualifier Bjorn Fratangelo in straight sets Saturday to reach the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters. Djokovic, playing his first match since winning a record seventh Australian Open title in January, was less than sharp in conceding an early break to his 128th-ranked rival. He broke back as Fratangelo served for the set to knot it at 5-5, and then raced to a 4-1 lead in the tiebreaker. Djokovic had to dig deep, however, when Fratangelo battled back to lead the tiebreaker 5-4. After a double fault and a forehand error from the 25-year-old American, Djokovic suddenly had a set point, and once he'd pocketed the set, the second went all his way. "To be honest, I was a bit nervous in the beginning," admitted Djokovic, who is going for a record sixth Indian Wells title. Djokovic, currently tied with Roger Federer on five wins in the California desert, can also tie world number two Rafael Nadal's record of 33 Masters 1000 titles. "I haven't competed for over five weeks. I was a bit rusty in the first set. I was kind of waiting for him to do something with the ball rather than doing it myself. "I was lucky to get the first set. After that, things went better for me," added Djokovic, who loped over to share a word with US great Pete Sampras in the stands after wrapping up the victory in one hour and 29 minutes. Djokovic next faces German Philipp Kohlschreiber, a 6-4, 6-4 winner over Australian Nick Kyrgios. Kyrgios, seeded 31st, was coming off a scintillating run to the Mexico Open title in Acapulco, where he defeated Nadal, ninth-ranked John Isner and, in the final, third-ranked German Alexander Zverev. Kyrgios said it wasn't a matter of an emotional let-down in the wake of his first title in over a year. "I didn't really have a problem getting up. I just didn't play well today," he said. "He's an incredible competitor," Kyrgios said. "He knows how to win tennis matches." As men's seeds swung into action after first-round byes, third-seeded Zverev advanced when Slovakian foe Martin Klizan retired with an ankle injury with the German leading 6-3, 2-0. 'Unbelievable' Augur-Aliassime Action opened on stadium court with 18-year-old Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime powering past Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-4, 6-2, for his first win over a top-10 player. In a battle of two ATP young guns, 58th-ranked Auger-Aliassime came out firing, and his aggression paid off with a victory over 20-year-old Tsitsipas, who shot to prominence with a victory over Federer at the Australian Open. He moved into the top 10 for the first time with his runner-up finish to Federer in Dubai, where the Swiss great claimed a remarkable 100th career title. But Tsitsipas could find no answer to Auger-Aliassime, who broke early in the first to gain the upper hand and seized a 2-1 lead with the first of two breaks in the second. Auger-Aliassime saved all seven break points he faced -- six of them in the first set. "It's unbelievable," Auger-Aliassime said. "I never expected to play that well today, to get my first top-10 win is special, against Stefanos who has been playing so well." Auger-Aliassime, who next faces Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka, is one of four teens in the draw, along with countryman Denis Shapovalov, Alexei Popyrin and lucky loser Miomir Kecmanovic. Kecmanovic gained entry into the second round in place of injured fifth-seed Kevin Anderson. He made the most of his chance, beating Germany's Maximilian Marterer, 6-3, 6-2, to reach the third round. At the other end of the age spectrum, 40-year-old Ivo Karlovic advanced with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over 11th-seeded Croatian Borna Coric.

Novak Djokovic dispatches Fratangelo to book Kohlschreiber clash

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

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

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

Venus Williams overcomes illness to advance at Indian Wells

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

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

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

Family will remain priority post retirement, says Roger Federer

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka dismissed Vera Lapko 6-2 6-3 to set up a second-round clash with Serena Williams while Johanna Konta cruised to a straight sets win in opening round action at the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday.

After falling behind 2-0 at the start, Azarenka reeled off six straight games and ultimately made quick work of Lapko on a windy day in the California desert.

Konta's pinpoint serving proved too much for France's Pauline Parmentier to handle as the Briton coasted to a 6-2 6-3 win to set up a second-round clash with Hsieh Su-Wei of Taiwan.

Two young Americans also advanced on Wednesday as 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova crushed Serbia's Aleksandra Krunic 6-0 6-4 and 20-year-old Sofia Kenin came from behind to dispatch China's Wang Yafan 1-6 7-5 6-4.

Canadian Bianca Andreescu, fresh off her semi-final appearance at the Mexican Open in Acapulco last week, defeated Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania 6-7(3) 6-3 6-3 to set up a second-round battle with Dominika Cibulkova.

Czech Barbora Strycova, China's Zhang Shuai, American Jennifer Brady and German Tatjana Maria were among the other players to advance at the event in Indian Wells.

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka dismissed Vera Lapko 6-2 6-3 to set up a second-round clash with Serena Williams while Johanna Konta cruised to a straight sets win in opening round action at the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday.

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka dismissed Vera Lapko 6-2 6-3 to set up a second-round clash with Serena Williams while Johanna Konta cruised to a straight sets win in opening round action at the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday. After falling behind 2-0 at the start, Azarenka reeled off six straight games and ultimately made quick work of Lapko on a windy day in the California desert. Konta's pinpoint serving proved too much for France's Pauline Parmentier to handle as the Briton coasted to a 6-2 6-3 win to set up a second-round clash with Hsieh Su-Wei of Taiwan. Two young Americans also advanced on Wednesday as 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova crushed Serbia's Aleksandra Krunic 6-0 6-4 and 20-year-old Sofia Kenin came from behind to dispatch China's Wang Yafan 1-6 7-5 6-4. Canadian Bianca Andreescu, fresh off her semi-final appearance at the Mexican Open in Acapulco last week, defeated Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania 6-7(3) 6-3 6-3 to set up a second-round battle with Dominika Cibulkova. Czech Barbora Strycova, China's Zhang Shuai, American Jennifer Brady and German Tatjana Maria were among the other players to advance at the event in Indian Wells.

Victoria Azarenka, Johanna Konta cruise into second round at Indian Wells

Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro stunned top-ranked Roger Federer 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/2) Sunday to win his first Indian Wells title and second consecutive ATP crown.

The 29-year-old from Argentina handed Federer his first match defeat of 2018 and extended his own win streak to 11 matches, including a title run earlier this month at Acapulco.

&quot;I&#39;m still shaking,&quot; Del Potro said. &quot;It&#39;s difficult to describe with words. It&#39;s like a dream.&quot;

Del Potro, nagged by wrist injuries throughout his career, survived three match points before claiming the championship in a third-set tie-breaker, ending a two hour, 42 minute marathon contest.

&quot;I cannot believe I won this tournament, beating Roger in a great final and this level of tennis. We played great tennis today,&quot; Del Potro said.

&quot;I just want to keep winning titles like this if I can.&quot;

Del Potro won the first five points of the deciding tie-breaker then closed it out when Swiss superstar Federer, who had won a career-best 17 straight matches to start the year, smacked a forehand long.

It was an emotional match for both players as each took turns questioning the chair umpire. Del Potro urged him to stop the pro-Federer crowd from making noise on his serve and an irritated Federer also had a couple of lively conversations with the umpire.

&quot;I don&#39;t remember half of it,&quot; said Federer. &quot;I was trying to pump myself up more, get energy for me. It had no effect on the outcome.&quot;&nbsp;

Del Potro was competing in his first Indian Wells final since 2013 when he lost to Spaniard Rafael Nadal.

It was Del Potro&#39;s seventh victory over Federer in 25 career meetings, one of those wins coming in the 2009 US Open final.

&quot;I always play good against him. I won a couple of finals and lost a couple of finals. In the end, I was lucky to win. We played great tennis today,&quot; Del Potro said.

World number eight Del Potro is back in the rankings top 10 after dropping to 1,045th before beginning his comeback from three left wrist surgeries in 2016.

&quot;I am excited to see what is next,&quot; he said. &quot;I am still surprising myself and I want to keep surprising the tennis tour,&quot; Del Potro said.

Federer blasted 10 aces but had five double faults and his serve was broken twice.

&#39;It should sting&#39;

He said it is going to take a little longer than normal to get over this one.

&quot;It should sting,&quot; Federer said. &quot;The question is how long? It is disappointing talking about a great match like this and losing.

&quot;You move on. There&#39;s no time to dwell over it. I see the positives at the end of the day.&quot;

Federer survived a match point in the second set tiebreaker to force the third.

&quot;It was a lot of chances at either end,&quot; he said. &quot;He should have maybe closed it first in the second set I believe. Even early in the second set I think he had break point chances.&nbsp;

&quot;But I was able to find my game and get out of that game.&quot;

In the 10th game of the third set, Federer returned the favour with three match points of his own but Del Potro timed his forehand shots perfectly. &nbsp;

&quot;It was disappointing,&quot; Federer said. &quot;Juan Martin was a bit better at the end. It was maybe a point here or there, maybe a shot, maybe a forehand, maybe a chip.&quot;

Federer, the oldest world number one in ATP history at 36, entered the final having dropped just one set, in a difficult semi-final test from Croatia&#39;s Borna Coric.&nbsp;

Federer&#39;s five Indian Wells titles included last year when he beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka.

&nbsp;

Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro defeated top-ranked Roger Federer 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/2) Sunday to win his first Indian Wells title and second consecutive ATP crown

Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro stunned top-ranked Roger Federer 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/2) Sunday to win his first Indian Wells title and second consecutive ATP crown. The 29-year-old from Argentina handed Federer his first match defeat of 2018 and extended his own win streak to 11 matches, including a title run earlier this month at Acapulco. "I'm still shaking," Del Potro said. "It's difficult to describe with words. It's like a dream." Del Potro, nagged by wrist injuries throughout his career, survived three match points before claiming the championship in a third-set tie-breaker, ending a two hour, 42 minute marathon contest. "I cannot believe I won this tournament, beating Roger in a great final and this level of tennis. We played great tennis today," Del Potro said. "I just want to keep winning titles like this if I can." Del Potro won the first five points of the deciding tie-breaker then closed it out when Swiss superstar Federer, who had won a career-best 17 straight matches to start the year, smacked a forehand long. It was an emotional match for both players as each took turns questioning the chair umpire. Del Potro urged him to stop the pro-Federer crowd from making noise on his serve and an irritated Federer also had a couple of lively conversations with the umpire. "I don't remember half of it," said Federer. "I was trying to pump myself up more, get energy for me. It had no effect on the outcome." Del Potro was competing in his first Indian Wells final since 2013 when he lost to Spaniard Rafael Nadal. It was Del Potro's seventh victory over Federer in 25 career meetings, one of those wins coming in the 2009 US Open final. "I always play good against him. I won a couple of finals and lost a couple of finals. In the end, I was lucky to win. We played great tennis today," Del Potro said. World number eight Del Potro is back in the rankings top 10 after dropping to 1,045th before beginning his comeback from three left wrist surgeries in 2016. "I am excited to see what is next," he said. "I am still surprising myself and I want to keep surprising the tennis tour," Del Potro said. Federer blasted 10 aces but had five double faults and his serve was broken twice. 'It should sting' He said it is going to take a little longer than normal to get over this one. "It should sting," Federer said. "The question is how long? It is disappointing talking about a great match like this and losing. "You move on. There's no time to dwell over it. I see the positives at the end of the day." Federer survived a match point in the second set tiebreaker to force the third. "It was a lot of chances at either end," he said. "He should have maybe closed it first in the second set I believe. Even early in the second set I think he had break point chances. "But I was able to find my game and get out of that game." In the 10th game of the third set, Federer returned the favour with three match points of his own but Del Potro timed his forehand shots perfectly. "It was disappointing," Federer said. "Juan Martin was a bit better at the end. It was maybe a point here or there, maybe a shot, maybe a forehand, maybe a chip." Federer, the oldest world number one in ATP history at 36, entered the final having dropped just one set, in a difficult semi-final test from Croatia's Borna Coric. Federer's five Indian Wells titles included last year when he beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka.

Del Potro stuns Roger Federer to win Indian Wells title

Japanese dynamo Naomi Osaka punched her ticket to the Indian Wells final on Friday, routing world No. 1 Simona Halep to set up a title clash with rising star Daria Kasatkina.

World No. 44 Osaka stormed past the top-seeded Halep in stunning fashion with a 6-3, 6-0 win, while Russian juggernaut Kasatkina wore down the 37-year-old seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.

The 26-year-old former champion Halep dropped to 18-2 on the season as she lasted just 64 minutes on the court with Osaka.

&quot;I just was not ready. I missed the ball a lot and I didn&#39;t play what I had to play,&quot; Halep said. &quot;I don&#39;t find excuses. She was better. I just was not ready and played wrong.&quot;

Youth prevailed Friday night as both unseeded Osaka and world No. 19 Kasatkina are 20 years old while the combined age of Williams and Halep is 63.

&quot;I feel like there is a new generation and we are trying to push through,&quot; said Osaka, who clinched the contest on the third match point.

Osaka improved to 14-4 in 2018 as she came into the clash as the lowest ranked Indian Wells semi-finalist since Kim Clijsters in 2005.

&quot;I was kind of nervous that entire (final) game because it kept going back and forth,&quot; Osaka said.&nbsp;

&quot;But I&#39;m really glad I was able to finish on my serve instead of having to break her or something like that. Yeah, it felt good.&quot;

Halep had three double faults, won just five points on her second serve and had her serve broken five times.

Halep, who had reached the semi-finals in all four of her tournaments in 2018, was trying to repeat her Indian Wells success of three years ago when she beat Jelena Jankovic to lift the trophy.

Meanwhile, Kasatkina rolled over her third top-10 player in a row to reach her first Indian Wells final.

Kasatkina rallied to claim the biggest victory of her career and defeat world number eight Williams, extending a year-long assault on top players, Grand Slam winners and former world number ones.

&quot;A match like this, you&#39;re just speechless,&quot; Kasatkina said. &quot;Too many emotions and you cannot explain everything.

&quot;Maybe one of the best nights in my life, for sure.&quot;

Serving for the match, Kasatkina clinched the victory on her second match point as she raced out to a 40-0 lead. Williams hit a cross-court forehand winner on the first match point but then dumped a backhand into the net to end the two hour, 49 minute marathon showdown.

Ultimately the young Russian proved to be too strong for Williams, who appeared to hit a wall at about the two and a half hour mark.

&quot;As my coach said, she&#39;s 37 years old, I am 20, so I should go for three sets,&quot; she said.

Kasatkina fired one ace, hit five double faults and broke Williams&#39;s serve seven times in the entertaining match.

63 unforced errors

&nbsp;Williams had almost double the number of unforced errors, 63-45, and broke Kasatkina six times but she also made five double faults -- some at crucial moments in the match.

&quot;Anyone who gets used to losses should give up on life,&quot; Williams said.

Kasatkina continues her Cinderella run through the California desert tournament as she goes for her second WTA title.

Kasatkina has beaten all four reigning Grand Slam champions in the past year, including US Open champ Sloane Stephens twice. She did it for the second time at Indian Wells, winning their third round match 6-4, 6-3.

After eliminating Stephens she beat two top 10 players to get to the semis -- world number two Caroline Wozniacki in three sets in the fourth round and then No. 10 Angelique Kerber in straight sets in the quarters.

World No. 44 Osaka stormed past the top-seeded Halep in stunning fashion with a 6-3, 6-0 win

Japanese dynamo Naomi Osaka punched her ticket to the Indian Wells final on Friday, routing world No. 1 Simona Halep to set up a title clash with rising star Daria Kasatkina. World No. 44 Osaka stormed past the top-seeded Halep in stunning fashion with a 6-3, 6-0 win, while Russian juggernaut Kasatkina wore down the 37-year-old seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams in three sets 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. The 26-year-old former champion Halep dropped to 18-2 on the season as she lasted just 64 minutes on the court with Osaka. "I just was not ready. I missed the ball a lot and I didn't play what I had to play," Halep said. "I don't find excuses. She was better. I just was not ready and played wrong." Youth prevailed Friday night as both unseeded Osaka and world No. 19 Kasatkina are 20 years old while the combined age of Williams and Halep is 63. "I feel like there is a new generation and we are trying to push through," said Osaka, who clinched the contest on the third match point. Osaka improved to 14-4 in 2018 as she came into the clash as the lowest ranked Indian Wells semi-finalist since Kim Clijsters in 2005. "I was kind of nervous that entire (final) game because it kept going back and forth," Osaka said. "But I'm really glad I was able to finish on my serve instead of having to break her or something like that. Yeah, it felt good." Halep had three double faults, won just five points on her second serve and had her serve broken five times. Halep, who had reached the semi-finals in all four of her tournaments in 2018, was trying to repeat her Indian Wells success of three years ago when she beat Jelena Jankovic to lift the trophy. Meanwhile, Kasatkina rolled over her third top-10 player in a row to reach her first Indian Wells final. Kasatkina rallied to claim the biggest victory of her career and defeat world number eight Williams, extending a year-long assault on top players, Grand Slam winners and former world number ones. "A match like this, you're just speechless," Kasatkina said. "Too many emotions and you cannot explain everything. "Maybe one of the best nights in my life, for sure." Serving for the match, Kasatkina clinched the victory on her second match point as she raced out to a 40-0 lead. Williams hit a cross-court forehand winner on the first match point but then dumped a backhand into the net to end the two hour, 49 minute marathon showdown. Ultimately the young Russian proved to be too strong for Williams, who appeared to hit a wall at about the two and a half hour mark. "As my coach said, she's 37 years old, I am 20, so I should go for three sets," she said. Kasatkina fired one ace, hit five double faults and broke Williams's serve seven times in the entertaining match. 63 unforced errors Williams had almost double the number of unforced errors, 63-45, and broke Kasatkina six times but she also made five double faults -- some at crucial moments in the match. "Anyone who gets used to losses should give up on life," Williams said. Kasatkina continues her Cinderella run through the California desert tournament as she goes for her second WTA title. Kasatkina has beaten all four reigning Grand Slam champions in the past year, including US Open champ Sloane Stephens twice. She did it for the second time at Indian Wells, winning their third round match 6-4, 6-3. After eliminating Stephens she beat two top 10 players to get to the semis -- world number two Caroline Wozniacki in three sets in the fourth round and then No. 10 Angelique Kerber in straight sets in the quarters.

Naomi Osaka ousts Simona Halep to enter finals of Indian Wells

World No. 1 Simona Halep punched her ticket to the Indian Wells semi-finals with a 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 win over Croatia&#39;s Petra Martic on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Halep improved to 18-1 on the season and is looking to win her second WTA Tour title of 2018.

Halep, of Romania, needed two hours and 23 minutes to put Martic away under taxing conditions as strong winds swirled around the main stadium court.

&quot;It was difficult conditions to play in today because of the wind,&quot; she said. &quot;It was tough to play, because the ball was really moving.

&quot;But I just tried everything. I tried also to push a little bit the ball and then to hit it. I tried to mix it up. Was not easy at all. For both of us it was difficult.&quot;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> finds the edge of the line after ???? this backhand! <a href="https://t.co/4SqPg4yVLF">pic.twitter.com/4SqPg4yVLF</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/974172594378346496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Halep moves on to the semi-finals where she will face Japan&#39;s Naomi Osaka who beat fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-3.&nbsp;

Halep is guaranteed to hold onto her No. 1 ranking at the end of this event after world number two Caroline Wozniacki was eliminated on Tuesday.

Halep blasted two aces and broke Martic&#39;s serve four times.

&quot;I just fought and that&#39;s maybe why I won because I refuse to lose,&quot; Halep said.

Halep won the final five games of the third set after being broken once and falling behind 3-1 early.

The turning point in the third set came for Halep after she won a challenge in the eighth game with Martic holding serve. On the very next point Martic hit a forehand wide as Halep took the game and a 5-3 set lead.

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Can you say <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SemiSimona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SemiSimona</a>?<a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> recaps her hard-fought <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BNPPARIBASOPEN</a> quarterfinal victory! <a href="https://t.co/vjsfbMHSOz">pic.twitter.com/vjsfbMHSOz</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/974136663625687040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Halep then served for the match, winning five of the final six points after the challenge. &nbsp;

Halep said her early struggles in the final set were from nerves and frustration with the playing conditions.

&quot;I calmed myself down a little bit more, and I just was more focused on what I have to do, and not thinking that much about the wind and what is going on on court.&nbsp;

&quot;I just fought till the end, and I think that&#39;s why I could win.&quot;

Halep is seeking her second Indian Wells title after beating Jelena Jankovic in 2015.

In the evening session, world No. 44 Osaka broke Pliskova&#39;s serve six times in her 78-minute upset on the main stadium court.

&quot;I returned the ball well,&quot; said Osaka. &quot;She is one of the best servers on tour and I was able to break her quite a few times so I am really happy about that.&quot;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a> continues her stellar run at <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BNPPARIBASOPEN</a>! 
 
Upsets Pliskova, 6-2, 6-3 to reach first Premier Mandatory semifinal of her career! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/xH1njVqn3O">pic.twitter.com/xH1njVqn3O</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/974150630322221056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pliskova, who reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in January, smashed five aces but made six double faults.

Pliskova was trying to reach the semi-finals in this event for the third consecutive year.

&quot;Everything was a little bit off from my side,&quot; Pliskova said. &quot;She was playing very well. Hitting her spots, forehands, even the backhands.&nbsp;

&quot;I just battling all the way, even in serving and returning. I was definitely not feeling the best.&quot;

&nbsp;

Japan's Naomi Osaka outplayed fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova to book a berth in the semi-final

World No. 1 Simona Halep punched her ticket to the Indian Wells semi-finals with a 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 win over Croatia's Petra Martic on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Halep improved to 18-1 on the season and is looking to win her second WTA Tour title of 2018. Halep, of Romania, needed two hours and 23 minutes to put Martic away under taxing conditions as strong winds swirled around the main stadium court. "It was difficult conditions to play in today because of the wind," she said. "It was tough to play, because the ball was really moving. "But I just tried everything. I tried also to push a little bit the ball and then to hit it. I tried to mix it up. Was not easy at all. For both of us it was difficult." .@Simona_Halep finds the edge of the line after ???? this backhand! pic.twitter.com/4SqPg4yVLF — WTA (@WTA) March 15, 2018 × Halep moves on to the semi-finals where she will face Japan's Naomi Osaka who beat fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-3. Halep is guaranteed to hold onto her No. 1 ranking at the end of this event after world number two Caroline Wozniacki was eliminated on Tuesday. Halep blasted two aces and broke Martic's serve four times. "I just fought and that's maybe why I won because I refuse to lose," Halep said. Halep won the final five games of the third set after being broken once and falling behind 3-1 early. The turning point in the third set came for Halep after she won a challenge in the eighth game with Martic holding serve. On the very next point Martic hit a forehand wide as Halep took the game and a 5-3 set lead. Can you say #SemiSimona?@Simona_Halep recaps her hard-fought @BNPPARIBASOPEN quarterfinal victory! pic.twitter.com/vjsfbMHSOz — WTA (@WTA) March 15, 2018 × Halep then served for the match, winning five of the final six points after the challenge. Halep said her early struggles in the final set were from nerves and frustration with the playing conditions. "I calmed myself down a little bit more, and I just was more focused on what I have to do, and not thinking that much about the wind and what is going on on court. "I just fought till the end, and I think that's why I could win." Halep is seeking her second Indian Wells title after beating Jelena Jankovic in 2015. In the evening session, world No. 44 Osaka broke Pliskova's serve six times in her 78-minute upset on the main stadium court. "I returned the ball well," said Osaka. "She is one of the best servers on tour and I was able to break her quite a few times so I am really happy about that." .@Naomi_Osaka_ continues her stellar run at @BNPPARIBASOPEN! Upsets Pliskova, 6-2, 6-3 to reach first Premier Mandatory semifinal of her career! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/xH1njVqn3O — WTA (@WTA) March 15, 2018 × Pliskova, who reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in January, smashed five aces but made six double faults. Pliskova was trying to reach the semi-finals in this event for the third consecutive year. "Everything was a little bit off from my side," Pliskova said. "She was playing very well. Hitting her spots, forehands, even the backhands. "I just battling all the way, even in serving and returning. I was definitely not feeling the best."

Simona Halep to face Japan's Naomi Osaka in semi-final of Indian Wells

World No. 1 Roger Federer&#39;s remarkable run continued as he booked his quarter-final berth in the ATP Indian Wells Masters with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Jeremy Chardy on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old Federer, who won his 20th Grand Slam when he captured the Australian Open in January, is off to one of his strongest career starts and is now 15-0 in 2018.&nbsp;

It is his best beginning to the season since 2006 when he started 16-0 and won 33 of his first 34 matches.

&quot;It has been great. It is a totally different year, and so many years after that,&quot; he said.

&quot;For so many years I have felt good actually in Australia already.

&quot;I don&#39;t know if it&#39;s Australia per se or, taking the benefits from the hard work I put into the new season.&quot;

Federer, who also won at Rotterdam in February, is gunning for a record sixth Indian Wells title.&nbsp;

&quot;Yeah, and then also Rotterdam was great. I was very happy that I was able to win the tournament there, not just get to the semis and get world No. 1.&nbsp;

&quot;And here now I&#39;m relieved that I was able to win three matches already. Because in a big, tough draw like here at Indian Wells, you&#39;re never quite sure what to expect.

&quot;So I&#39;m just happy I&#39;m on a good run.&quot;

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Point of the day! 
 
Thanks for the entertainment <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/jimchardy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jimchardy</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/pYF1SI1SL8">pic.twitter.com/pYF1SI1SL8</a>
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The defending Indian Wells champion Federer put on a serving clinic against Chardy as he hit two aces and won 100 percent of his first serve points.

He dropped just three serve points overall with those coming on his second serve.

Federer advances to the quarter-finals where he will face South Korea&#39;s Chung Hyeon who defeated 30th-seeded Pablo Cuevas 6-1, 6-3 earlier on Wednesday.

Federer only needed to break Chardy once in each set to get the win in 82 minutes.&nbsp;

The first break of serve came in the 11th game of the opening set to take a 6-5 lead.&nbsp;

In the second set he broke Chardy in the ninth game to lead 5-4. Each time he got the break he then served for the set.

Federer clinched the victory on the first match point when Chardy pounded a forehand into the net.

Chardy hit four aces but made 46 unforced errors compared to just 29 for Federer.

Federer is now 4-1 overall against Chardy, having beaten the Frenchman the last two times they played.

Federer picked up seven titles in 2017, comprising the Australian Open, Halle, Wimbledon, Miami, Shanghai, Basel and Indian Wells.

Federer will face the 21-year-old Chung for the second time this year.&nbsp;

Chung made a Grand Slam breakthrough when he reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January but had to retire in his match with Federer because of a foot blister.

&quot;He was actually struggling going into the match,&quot; Federer said. &quot;Seeing the blister after, that wasn&#39;t very nice. I can just imagine how much pain there is to it.

&quot;You kind of want to go out and give it a shot, but then you&#39;re like, probably shouldn&#39;t. So I felt for him.&quot;

&nbsp;

Roger Federer booked his quarter-final berth in the ATP Indian Wells Masters with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Jeremy Chardy

World No. 1 Roger Federer's remarkable run continued as he booked his quarter-final berth in the ATP Indian Wells Masters with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Jeremy Chardy on Wednesday. The 36-year-old Federer, who won his 20th Grand Slam when he captured the Australian Open in January, is off to one of his strongest career starts and is now 15-0 in 2018. It is his best beginning to the season since 2006 when he started 16-0 and won 33 of his first 34 matches. "It has been great. It is a totally different year, and so many years after that," he said. "For so many years I have felt good actually in Australia already. "I don't know if it's Australia per se or, taking the benefits from the hard work I put into the new season." Federer, who also won at Rotterdam in February, is gunning for a record sixth Indian Wells title. "Yeah, and then also Rotterdam was great. I was very happy that I was able to win the tournament there, not just get to the semis and get world No. 1. "And here now I'm relieved that I was able to win three matches already. Because in a big, tough draw like here at Indian Wells, you're never quite sure what to expect. "So I'm just happy I'm on a good run." Point of the day! Thanks for the entertainment @rogerfederer & @jimchardy.#BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/pYF1SI1SL8 — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 15, 2018 × The defending Indian Wells champion Federer put on a serving clinic against Chardy as he hit two aces and won 100 percent of his first serve points. He dropped just three serve points overall with those coming on his second serve. Federer advances to the quarter-finals where he will face South Korea's Chung Hyeon who defeated 30th-seeded Pablo Cuevas 6-1, 6-3 earlier on Wednesday. Federer only needed to break Chardy once in each set to get the win in 82 minutes. The first break of serve came in the 11th game of the opening set to take a 6-5 lead. In the second set he broke Chardy in the ninth game to lead 5-4. Each time he got the break he then served for the set. Federer clinched the victory on the first match point when Chardy pounded a forehand into the net. Chardy hit four aces but made 46 unforced errors compared to just 29 for Federer. Federer is now 4-1 overall against Chardy, having beaten the Frenchman the last two times they played. Federer picked up seven titles in 2017, comprising the Australian Open, Halle, Wimbledon, Miami, Shanghai, Basel and Indian Wells. Federer will face the 21-year-old Chung for the second time this year. Chung made a Grand Slam breakthrough when he reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January but had to retire in his match with Federer because of a foot blister. "He was actually struggling going into the match," Federer said. "Seeing the blister after, that wasn't very nice. I can just imagine how much pain there is to it. "You kind of want to go out and give it a shot, but then you're like, probably shouldn't. So I felt for him."

Roger Federer cruises past Jeremy Chardy to enter quarter-final at Indian Wells

Russian Daria Kasatkina, who has beaten all four reigning Grand Slam champions in the past year, upset world No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 7-5 at the WTA Indian Wells event on Tuesday.

Kasatkina recorded her second straight win over Wozniacki, having also beaten the reigning Australian Open champ at the St. Petersburg tournament last month. &nbsp;

The 20-year-old Kasatkina improved to 11-6 on the WTA Tour season as she seeks to better her quarter-final appearance here in 2016.

Kasatkina hit one ace, won 54 percent of her first serves and broke Wozniacki&#39;s serve six times in the one hour, 40-minute match.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/CaroWozniacki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaroWozniacki</a> comes forward at the net en route to a hold for 4-5! 
 
She&#39;s already saved a set point. Can she come back or can Kasatkina serve it out? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/XkUNyVapXY">pic.twitter.com/XkUNyVapXY</a>
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&quot;She outsmarted me today, which is fair enough,&quot; Wozniacki said. &quot;But, you know, at least I tried, and I tried to do what I thought I needed to do out there today.

&quot;I just couldn&#39;t execute as well as I wanted to.&quot;

It was a disappointing exit for Wozniacki, who finally silenced her critics earlier this year with her maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne, where she defeated Simona Halep in the final.

That victory not only earned Wozniacki her first Grand Slam title but it made her the world number one. Halep reclaimed the ranking just before Indian Wells.

Wozniacki had a chance to take it back but she needed to win the Indian Wells title to do it.

Kasatkina will play either seventh seed Caroline Garcia of France or Angelique Kerber of Germany in the quarter-finals.

&nbsp;

Russian Daria Kasatkina defeated Australian Open Champion Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 7-5, to enter quater-finals

Russian Daria Kasatkina, who has beaten all four reigning Grand Slam champions in the past year, upset world No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 7-5 at the WTA Indian Wells event on Tuesday. Kasatkina recorded her second straight win over Wozniacki, having also beaten the reigning Australian Open champ at the St. Petersburg tournament last month. The 20-year-old Kasatkina improved to 11-6 on the WTA Tour season as she seeks to better her quarter-final appearance here in 2016. Kasatkina hit one ace, won 54 percent of her first serves and broke Wozniacki's serve six times in the one hour, 40-minute match. .@CaroWozniacki comes forward at the net en route to a hold for 4-5! She's already saved a set point. Can she come back or can Kasatkina serve it out? #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/XkUNyVapXY — WTA (@WTA) March 14, 2018 × "She outsmarted me today, which is fair enough," Wozniacki said. "But, you know, at least I tried, and I tried to do what I thought I needed to do out there today. "I just couldn't execute as well as I wanted to." It was a disappointing exit for Wozniacki, who finally silenced her critics earlier this year with her maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne, where she defeated Simona Halep in the final. That victory not only earned Wozniacki her first Grand Slam title but it made her the world number one. Halep reclaimed the ranking just before Indian Wells. Wozniacki had a chance to take it back but she needed to win the Indian Wells title to do it. Kasatkina will play either seventh seed Caroline Garcia of France or Angelique Kerber of Germany in the quarter-finals.

Daria Kasatkina upsets world No. 2 Wozniacki in Indian Wells

World number three Marin Cilic crashed out of the ATP Indian Wells tournament on Tuesday, losing in straight sets to Germany&#39;s Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 6-4.

The 29-year-old Cilic, who reached the finals of two of the last three Grand Slams, dropped to a record of 10-4 on the season.

Kohlschreiber advances to the fourth round where he will play unseeded Pierre-Hugues Herbert who won his third round match when fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils retired in the second set with a lower back injury.

Cilic blasted five aces but couldn&#39;t overcome Kohlschreiber&#39;s strong serving game. The German won 76 percent of his first serve points and broke Cilic&#39;s serve twice, once in each set.

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Not a bad day at the office for ???????? Kohlschreiber... 
 
✅ First Top 10 win since 2016 
???????? Seventh win against Cilic 
???? Books spot in Indian Wells R4 
 
More ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/7ooDhAPyr4">https://t.co/7ooDhAPyr4</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPMasters1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPMasters1000</a> <a href="https://t.co/DuFsf3xAjY">pic.twitter.com/DuFsf3xAjY</a>
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Kohlschreiber is now 7-4 overall against Cilic. He has won three out of their last four meetings, including a straight-set victory in the final in Munich on clay in 2012. He won their first meeting on hardcourt in Moscow in 2007.

Cilic, who is considered to be one of the most consistent players on the Tour, claimed his 17th career title in Istanbul last year. He also reached the final at Wimbledon.

In January, he lost in five sets in the final of the Australian Open to Roger Federer, the third Grand Slam final of his career.&nbsp;

In the first set Kohlschreiber got the key break he needed in the third game to go up 2-1. He managed to hold serve for the rest of the set and take the final game on four straight points.

He got another break of serve in the seventh game of the second set to pull ahead 4-3 then held serve in the next game to go up 5-3.

Kohlschreiber closed out the contest on match point when Cilic&#39;s final backhand shot hit the net cord and fell back into his side of the court.

&nbsp;

Kohlschreiber advances to the fourth round where he will play unseeded Pierre-Hugues Herbert

World number three Marin Cilic crashed out of the ATP Indian Wells tournament on Tuesday, losing in straight sets to Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-4, 6-4. The 29-year-old Cilic, who reached the finals of two of the last three Grand Slams, dropped to a record of 10-4 on the season. Kohlschreiber advances to the fourth round where he will play unseeded Pierre-Hugues Herbert who won his third round match when fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils retired in the second set with a lower back injury. Cilic blasted five aces but couldn't overcome Kohlschreiber's strong serving game. The German won 76 percent of his first serve points and broke Cilic's serve twice, once in each set. Not a bad day at the office for ???????? Kohlschreiber... ✅ First Top 10 win since 2016 ???????? Seventh win against Cilic ???? Books spot in Indian Wells R4 More ➡️ https://t.co/7ooDhAPyr4 #ATPMasters1000 pic.twitter.com/DuFsf3xAjY — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) March 14, 2018 × Kohlschreiber is now 7-4 overall against Cilic. He has won three out of their last four meetings, including a straight-set victory in the final in Munich on clay in 2012. He won their first meeting on hardcourt in Moscow in 2007. Cilic, who is considered to be one of the most consistent players on the Tour, claimed his 17th career title in Istanbul last year. He also reached the final at Wimbledon. In January, he lost in five sets in the final of the Australian Open to Roger Federer, the third Grand Slam final of his career. In the first set Kohlschreiber got the key break he needed in the third game to go up 2-1. He managed to hold serve for the rest of the set and take the final game on four straight points. He got another break of serve in the seventh game of the second set to pull ahead 4-3 then held serve in the next game to go up 5-3. Kohlschreiber closed out the contest on match point when Cilic's final backhand shot hit the net cord and fell back into his side of the court.

Tennis: Second seed Marin Cilic crashes out of Indian Wells

Serena Williams&#39; return to tournament tennis came to an abrupt end here Monday as she crashed out of Indian Wells with a 6-3, 6-4 loss to her sister Venus.

Venus closed out the 29th career meeting between the two on her second match point as Serena sailed a forehand long to end the third round match.

The 10th seeded Venus moves on to the round of 16 where she will face either Anastasija Sevastova or 12th seeded Julia Georges.

&quot;I&#39;m from right down the street in Compton, California. This just shows wherever you come from - if you put in the work and you believe in yourself - you can do anything,&quot; she said after winning the match.

It was the first meeting between the two sisters since they clashed in the final of the 2017 Australian Open, which Serena won before taking a 15-month hiatus due to her pregnancy.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/Venuseswilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Venuseswilliams</a> emerges as the winner of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VenusSerena29?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VenusSerena29</a>! 
 
The World No. 8 defeats sister Serena Williams 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the next round of <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BNPPARIBASOPEN</a>! <a href="https://t.co/ibVJOVLhn2">pic.twitter.com/ibVJOVLhn2</a>
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It is rare for the Williams sisters to play this early in a tournament. It is the earliest they have faced each other since their first encounter at the Australian Open in 1998.

The sisters arrived outside the stadium together on a golf cart then walked through the tunnel with Serena entering the court first with many in the crowd standing and cheering.

Venus blasted six aces but had eight double faults in the one hour 26 minutes main stadium match.

Serena is still shaking off the rust after the long layoff as she hit four aces but had her serve broken four times.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@serenawilliams</a> comes out on top in a brilliant rally! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VenusSerena29?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VenusSerena29</a> <a href="https://t.co/MnI6lexA1z">pic.twitter.com/MnI6lexA1z</a>
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This was their first encounter with Venus as an aunt and Serena as a new mother after giving birth to her baby daughter, Alexis Olympia, on September 1.

Venus&#39;s victory also comes 17 years after an ugly booing incident led to a 14-year boycott of the tournament by the sisters.

But for some, it brought closure to the once testy relationship between Indian Wells and the sisters who hail from the Los Angeles suburb of Compton.

&nbsp;

The 10th seeded Venus moves on to the round of 16 where she will face either Anastasija Sevastova or 12th seeded Julia Georges

Serena Williams' return to tournament tennis came to an abrupt end here Monday as she crashed out of Indian Wells with a 6-3, 6-4 loss to her sister Venus. Venus closed out the 29th career meeting between the two on her second match point as Serena sailed a forehand long to end the third round match. The 10th seeded Venus moves on to the round of 16 where she will face either Anastasija Sevastova or 12th seeded Julia Georges. "I'm from right down the street in Compton, California. This just shows wherever you come from - if you put in the work and you believe in yourself - you can do anything," she said after winning the match. It was the first meeting between the two sisters since they clashed in the final of the 2017 Australian Open, which Serena won before taking a 15-month hiatus due to her pregnancy. .@Venuseswilliams emerges as the winner of #VenusSerena29! The World No. 8 defeats sister Serena Williams 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the next round of @BNPPARIBASOPEN! pic.twitter.com/ibVJOVLhn2 — WTA (@WTA) March 13, 2018 × It is rare for the Williams sisters to play this early in a tournament. It is the earliest they have faced each other since their first encounter at the Australian Open in 1998. The sisters arrived outside the stadium together on a golf cart then walked through the tunnel with Serena entering the court first with many in the crowd standing and cheering. Venus blasted six aces but had eight double faults in the one hour 26 minutes main stadium match. Serena is still shaking off the rust after the long layoff as she hit four aces but had her serve broken four times. .@serenawilliams comes out on top in a brilliant rally! #BNPPO18 #VenusSerena29 pic.twitter.com/MnI6lexA1z — WTA (@WTA) March 13, 2018 × This was their first encounter with Venus as an aunt and Serena as a new mother after giving birth to her baby daughter, Alexis Olympia, on September 1. Venus's victory also comes 17 years after an ugly booing incident led to a 14-year boycott of the tournament by the sisters. But for some, it brought closure to the once testy relationship between Indian Wells and the sisters who hail from the Los Angeles suburb of Compton.

Venus Williams defeats sister Serena in Indian Wells

World number one Roger Federer stepped up his bid for a sixth Indian Wells Masters title with a 6-2, 6-1 demolition of Filip Krajinovic on Monday.

The 36-year-old marvel continues to defy the ageing process as he needed just 58 minutes to overpower the Serb with a brilliant display of Swiss timing.

&quot;I was feeling like he was not loving my slice and I was also mixing in dropshots,&quot; said Federer who extended his perfect record this season to 14-0.

&quot;I really I was able to mix up my game nicely, make it difficult for him.&nbsp;

&quot;At the same time, have fun with my game, play a variation, but for the most part try to stay on the offensive.&quot;

Federer blasted six aces had one double fault and won 89 percent of his first serve points, losing just three points on his serve the entire match.

&quot;I actually was explosive out there today and I felt good,&quot; he said. &quot;So I&#39;m very happy how things are turning out to be.&quot;

After handing back an early break to allow Krajinovic to draw level at two-all, Federer moved into cruise control.

At one point he won 17 straight points en route to taking a 6-2, 3-0 lead, winning 10 of the final 11 games in the match.

Federer, who is the defending champion and trying to win a record sixth title in the California desert, was on the centre stadium for the third day in a row.&nbsp;

His opening match on Saturday night against Federico Delbonis carried over into Sunday afternoon after heavy rains forced a postponement of several night matches.

He said playing matches three days in a row doesn&#39;t faze him.

&quot;You&#39;ve got to be ready for it. It&#39;s what tennis players do. We wait, we play, we wait again, we play again.

&quot;In Rotterdam I played five matches in a row,&quot; he said. &quot;Back in the day, I used to play six matches in a row.&nbsp;

&quot;At the Masters 1000s, when the format was different, it was the best-of-five-set finals in the finals. Playing three matches in a row. I think I&#39;m okay.&quot;

Federer has already won two titles in 2018, claiming his 20th Grand Slam crown by winning the Australian Open in January. The other victory came in Rotterdam.

In the next round he faces Jeremy Chardy who beat fellow Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 4-6, 6-1.

In other men&#39;s matches, American Taylor Fritz defeated Fernando Verdasco, of Spain, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/1), Croatia&#39;s Borna Coric breezed past Roberto Bautista 6-1, 6-3 and Pablo Carreno-Busta, of Spain, stopped Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-1, 7-5.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Federer blasted six aces had one double fault and won 89 percent of his first serve points, losing just three points on his serve the entire match

World number one Roger Federer stepped up his bid for a sixth Indian Wells Masters title with a 6-2, 6-1 demolition of Filip Krajinovic on Monday. The 36-year-old marvel continues to defy the ageing process as he needed just 58 minutes to overpower the Serb with a brilliant display of Swiss timing. "I was feeling like he was not loving my slice and I was also mixing in dropshots," said Federer who extended his perfect record this season to 14-0. "I really I was able to mix up my game nicely, make it difficult for him. "At the same time, have fun with my game, play a variation, but for the most part try to stay on the offensive." Federer blasted six aces had one double fault and won 89 percent of his first serve points, losing just three points on his serve the entire match. "I actually was explosive out there today and I felt good," he said. "So I'm very happy how things are turning out to be." After handing back an early break to allow Krajinovic to draw level at two-all, Federer moved into cruise control. At one point he won 17 straight points en route to taking a 6-2, 3-0 lead, winning 10 of the final 11 games in the match. Federer, who is the defending champion and trying to win a record sixth title in the California desert, was on the centre stadium for the third day in a row. His opening match on Saturday night against Federico Delbonis carried over into Sunday afternoon after heavy rains forced a postponement of several night matches. He said playing matches three days in a row doesn't faze him. "You've got to be ready for it. It's what tennis players do. We wait, we play, we wait again, we play again. "In Rotterdam I played five matches in a row," he said. "Back in the day, I used to play six matches in a row. "At the Masters 1000s, when the format was different, it was the best-of-five-set finals in the finals. Playing three matches in a row. I think I'm okay." Federer has already won two titles in 2018, claiming his 20th Grand Slam crown by winning the Australian Open in January. The other victory came in Rotterdam. In the next round he faces Jeremy Chardy who beat fellow Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 4-6, 6-1. In other men's matches, American Taylor Fritz defeated Fernando Verdasco, of Spain, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/1), Croatia's Borna Coric breezed past Roberto Bautista 6-1, 6-3 and Pablo Carreno-Busta, of Spain, stopped Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-1, 7-5.

Roger Federer beats Krajinovic to enter fourth round of Indian Wells

Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel sent five-time tournament champion Novak Djokovic tumbling out of the Indian Wells Masters with a hard-fought 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-1 victory on Sunday.

It was another snag in the return for the 30-year-old Djokovic who was playing in just his second event of 2018.

He is making a cautious return to the ATP Tour after stopping his 2017 season following Wimbledon, due to a right elbow injury.

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Taro takes it all the way! ???? 
 
???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/tarodaniel93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tarodaniel93</a> stuns Djokovic to earn the biggest win of his career ???? 
 
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/yrAYohtAhU">https://t.co/yrAYohtAhU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/iwpbwRExh4">pic.twitter.com/iwpbwRExh4</a>
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Djokovic scrambled to win the second set but looked rusty on stadium court, making 62 unforced errors compared to 29 for Daniel.

Djokovic had four aces but overall he served poorly making four double faults and winning just 65 percent of his first-serve points.&nbsp;

Daniel, who is ranked 109th in the world, advanced to the third round where he will face Gael Monfils of France who outlasted American John Isner 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3), 7-5.

&nbsp;

Taro Daniel defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-1 to set up the next match against Gael Monfils of France

Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel sent five-time tournament champion Novak Djokovic tumbling out of the Indian Wells Masters with a hard-fought 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-1 victory on Sunday. It was another snag in the return for the 30-year-old Djokovic who was playing in just his second event of 2018. He is making a cautious return to the ATP Tour after stopping his 2017 season following Wimbledon, due to a right elbow injury. Taro takes it all the way! ???? ???????? @tarodaniel93 stuns Djokovic to earn the biggest win of his career ???? ➡️ https://t.co/yrAYohtAhU #BNPPO2018 pic.twitter.com/iwpbwRExh4 — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) March 11, 2018 × Djokovic scrambled to win the second set but looked rusty on stadium court, making 62 unforced errors compared to 29 for Daniel. Djokovic had four aces but overall he served poorly making four double faults and winning just 65 percent of his first-serve points. Daniel, who is ranked 109th in the world, advanced to the third round where he will face Gael Monfils of France who outlasted American John Isner 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3), 7-5.

Taro Daniel outplays Novak Djokovic in Indian Wells

Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori was about to mark his comeback but has pulled out&nbsp;of the ATP Indian Wells Masters ahead of his scheduled opening match on Sunday with illness.

In an interview to a sports&nbsp;channel, he said, &quot;It wasn&#39;t easy doing rehab every day... but I was mentally refreshed.&quot;

After his ouster from the ongoing tournament, he shared the news on his personal twitter handle captioning, &quot;Unfortunately I have to pull out.&quot;

&quot;I have been sick for over a week and tried everything I could to get better.&quot;

&quot;I&#39;m still not strong enough to go play a match. I&#39;m very sorry as I love this tournament. I really look forward to being back next year, he further added.&quot;

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Unfortunate I have to pull out of the tournament today. I have been sick for over a week and tried everything I could to get better. Unfortunately today I am still not strong enough. 
I am very sorry as I love this tournament and wish Tommy Haas and the team a great event.
&mdash; Kei Nishikori (@keinishikori) <a href="https://twitter.com/keinishikori/status/972915307697209345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kei Nishikori has withdrawn due to illness and is replaced by lucky loser Ruben Bemelmans. 
 
We wish Kei a quick recovery! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/vemKgVpr2Q">pic.twitter.com/vemKgVpr2Q</a>
&mdash; BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/972899488900632576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;It wasn&#39;t easy doing rehab every day... but I was mentally refreshed&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/keinishikori?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@keinishikori</a> continues his comeback this week in Indian Wells ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/uZstTNhbNh">pic.twitter.com/uZstTNhbNh</a>
&mdash; ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPWorldTour/status/972442165359071234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The world number 25 was scheduled to face Argentina&#39;s Leonardo Mayer in a second-round match at the joint ATP/WTA hardcourt tournament.

Nishikori withdrew from the Australian Open earlier this year with a right wrist injury. In his most recent outing at the Mexican Open in Acapulco, he lost in the first round to Canadian rising star Denis Shapovalov.

As the 22nd seed, Nishikori received a bye through the first round. His place in the draw will be taken by lucky loser Ruben Bemelmans.

&nbsp;

The world number 25 was scheduled to face Argentina's Leonardo Mayer in a second-round match

Japan's Kei Nishikori was about to mark his comeback but has pulled out of the ATP Indian Wells Masters ahead of his scheduled opening match on Sunday with illness. In an interview to a sports channel, he said, "It wasn't easy doing rehab every day... but I was mentally refreshed." After his ouster from the ongoing tournament, he shared the news on his personal twitter handle captioning, "Unfortunately I have to pull out." "I have been sick for over a week and tried everything I could to get better." "I'm still not strong enough to go play a match. I'm very sorry as I love this tournament. I really look forward to being back next year, he further added." Unfortunate I have to pull out of the tournament today. I have been sick for over a week and tried everything I could to get better. Unfortunately today I am still not strong enough. I am very sorry as I love this tournament and wish Tommy Haas and the team a great event. — Kei Nishikori (@keinishikori) March 11, 2018 × Kei Nishikori has withdrawn due to illness and is replaced by lucky loser Ruben Bemelmans. We wish Kei a quick recovery! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/vemKgVpr2Q — BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 11, 2018 × "It wasn't easy doing rehab every day... but I was mentally refreshed"@keinishikori continues his comeback this week in Indian Wells ????#BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/uZstTNhbNh — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) March 10, 2018 × The world number 25 was scheduled to face Argentina's Leonardo Mayer in a second-round match at the joint ATP/WTA hardcourt tournament. Nishikori withdrew from the Australian Open earlier this year with a right wrist injury. In his most recent outing at the Mexican Open in Acapulco, he lost in the first round to Canadian rising star Denis Shapovalov. As the 22nd seed, Nishikori received a bye through the first round. His place in the draw will be taken by lucky loser Ruben Bemelmans.

Kei Nishikori withdraws from Indian Wells due to illness

The unseeded Serena Williams defeated Zarina Diyas of Kazakh in her comeback match at the WTA Indian Wells event with a &nbsp;7-5, 6-3 victory.

She marked her determination by grabbing the first break of the match and shook off the rust from a 15-month layoff due to pregnancy following her victory at the 2017 Australian Open, where she was already expecting daughter Alexis Olympia.

She registered this very crucial victory with 34 winners and 27 unforced errors.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerenaWilliams</a> grabs the first break of the match! 
 
She will serve for the first set up 6-5! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/5ZgmyvQvwh">pic.twitter.com/5ZgmyvQvwh</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/971972219894050817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Don&#39;t blink! You&#39;ll miss the return!<a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerenaWilliams</a> nails the winner en route to a break! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/hwHaqUA2P9">pic.twitter.com/hwHaqUA2P9</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/971979302169280513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Williams entered the court Thursday night to a loud ovation with many in the half-full stadium standing and applauding as she came out of the tunnel for just her third appearance in Indian Wells in the last 17 years.

After winning the match said thanked all her supporters and wished International Women&#39;s Day. She said, &quot;To all the ladies out there here, Happy #InternationalWomensDay. I&#39;m so excited to play on this night, it was meant to be!&quot;

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&quot;To all the ladies out there here, Happy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalWomensDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InternationalWomensDay</a>. I&#39;m so excited to play on this night, it was meant to be!&quot; 
 
We agree, <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerenaWilliams</a>! <a href="https://t.co/7ver7nGr8j">pic.twitter.com/7ver7nGr8j</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/971985964397559809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SerenaWilliams?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SerenaWilliams</a> to return to professional tennis, makes announcement in an adorable manner <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlexisOlympia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlexisOlympia</a> <a href="https://t.co/AOVkODwRKZ">https://t.co/AOVkODwRKZ</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/971940055278288896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The unseeded Serena Williams defeated Zarina Diyas of Kazakh in her comeback match at the WTA Indian Wells event with a 7-5, 6-3 victory

The unseeded Serena Williams defeated Zarina Diyas of Kazakh in her comeback match at the WTA Indian Wells event with a 7-5, 6-3 victory. She marked her determination by grabbing the first break of the match and shook off the rust from a 15-month layoff due to pregnancy following her victory at the 2017 Australian Open, where she was already expecting daughter Alexis Olympia. She registered this very crucial victory with 34 winners and 27 unforced errors. .@SerenaWilliams grabs the first break of the match! She will serve for the first set up 6-5! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/5ZgmyvQvwh — WTA (@WTA) March 9, 2018 × Don't blink! You'll miss the return!@SerenaWilliams nails the winner en route to a break! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/hwHaqUA2P9 — WTA (@WTA) March 9, 2018 × Williams entered the court Thursday night to a loud ovation with many in the half-full stadium standing and applauding as she came out of the tunnel for just her third appearance in Indian Wells in the last 17 years. After winning the match said thanked all her supporters and wished International Women's Day. She said, "To all the ladies out there here, Happy #InternationalWomensDay. I'm so excited to play on this night, it was meant to be!" "To all the ladies out there here, Happy #InternationalWomensDay. I'm so excited to play on this night, it was meant to be!" We agree, @SerenaWilliams! pic.twitter.com/7ver7nGr8j — WTA (@WTA) March 9, 2018 × #SerenaWilliams to return to professional tennis, makes announcement in an adorable manner #AlexisOlympia https://t.co/AOVkODwRKZ — WION (@WIONews) March 9, 2018 ×

Serena Williams marks winning comeback at WTA Indian Wells

By&nbsp;Asit K. Biswas,&nbsp;Cecilia Tortajada&nbsp;and Udisha Saklani

Over the past three years, the monsoon &ndash; the rainy season that runs from June through September, depending on the region &ndash; has been weak or delayed across much of India, causing widespread water shortages.

With the onset of summer this year, southern India, particularly Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu states, are already wilting under a blistering sun and repeated heatwaves. Drought is expected to affect at least eight states in 2017, which is a devastating possibility in a country where <a href="http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.AGR.TOTL.ZS">agriculture accounted for 17.5% of GDP in 2015</a> and provides the livelihood for nearly half the population.

Across rural India, water bodies, including man-made lakes and reservoirs, are fast disappearing after decades of neglect and pollution.

&ldquo;They have drained out the water and converted the land into a plot for schools, dispensaries, and other construction activities,&rdquo; Manoj Misra of the NGO Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan warned in The Hindu newspaper as far back as 2012.

Not a drop to drink

It wasn&rsquo;t always this way. For the past 2,500 years, India has managed its water needs by increasing supply.

Prior to industrialisation and the accompanying global &ldquo;green revolution&rdquo; in the 1960s, which saw the development of high-yield variety crops using new technologies, India&rsquo;s water availability was plentiful. Households, industries and farmers freely extracted groundwater and dumped untreated waste into waterways without a second thought.

But such practices are now increasingly untenable in this rapidly growing country. Per capita availability of water has been steadily falling for over a decade, dropping from 1,816 cubic metres per person in 2001 to 1,545 cubic metres in 2011.

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<h5>For nearly 50 years, a misguided groundwater policy has sucked India dry; water tables have declined by an average of one metre every three years in some parts of the Indus basin, turning it into the second most over-stressed aquifer in the world, according to NASA</h5>
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The decline is projected to deepen in coming years as the population grows. India, which currently has 1.3 billion people, is set to overtake China by 2022 and reach 1.7 billion in 2050.

Water scarcity is also exacerbated by a growth in water-intensive industries, such as thermal power production, extraction and mining, as India seeks to feed and power its growing population. In addition to affecting biodiversity, these activities also alter natural water systems.

Still, successive governments have pursued the same old supply-centric policies, paying little heed to the country&rsquo;s waning clean water supplies.

For nearly 50 years, a misguided groundwater policy has sucked India dry; water tables have declined by an average of one metre every three years in some parts of the Indus basin, turning it into the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=86263">second most over-stressed aquifer in the world</a>, according to NASA.

Across nearly the whole country, basic sewage management is also lacking. According to the Third World Centre for Water Management, only about 10% of waste water in the country is collected and properly treated. As a result, all water bodies in and around urban centres are seriously polluted.

Today, the country is struggling to provide safe drinking water to every citizen.

What conservation?

Even so, residents of New Delhi or Kolkata today use more than twice as much water, on average, than people in <a href="https://thirdworldcentre.org/communication-media/too-little-too-late-why-water-pricing-and-management-in-singapore-needs-to-be-more-ambitious/">Singapore, Leipzig, Barcelona or Zaragoza</a>, according to data compiled by the Third World Research Centre.

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<h5>Residents of New Delhi or Kolkata today use more than twice as much water, on average, than those in Singapore, Leipzig, Barcelona or Zaragoza, according to the Third World Research Centre</h5>
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The water use in Delhi is 220 litres per capita per day (lpcd), while some European cities boast figures of 95 to 120 lpcd.

Excess consumption is attributable in part to citizen indifference about conserving water after so many years of plentiful supply. Since large swaths of many Indian megacities lack piped supply of clean water, leaks and theft are common. Cities in India lose 40% to 50% due to leakages and non-authorised connections.

At this point, the only viable option for India would seem to be managing demand and using water more efficiently.

The country is making tentative steps in that direction. <a href="http://www.wrmin.nic.in/writereaddata/Water_Framework_May_2016.pdf">The 2016 new National Water Framework</a>, passed emphasises the need for conservation and more efficient water use.

But under India&rsquo;s Constitution, states are responsible for managing water, so central policies have little resonance. Neither the <a href="publications.iwmi.org/pdf/H042921.pdf">1987 and 2012 National Water Policy documents</a>, which contained similar recommendations to the 2016 policy, had any real impact on water use.

And after millennia of exclusive focus on expanding the water supply, the idea of curbing water consumption and increase reuse remains a mostly alien concept in India.

Water wars

Consistent supply-centric thinking has also resulted in competition for water as states negotiate the allocation of river water based on local needs.

<figure class="align-right "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/173874/width237/file-20170614-26091-1l2h0fc.png" />
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India&rsquo;s inter-state disputes on water usage have reached a critical point. Wikimedia, CC BY-ND
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The century-long conflict over <a href="http://wrmin.nic.in/writereaddata/Inter-StateWaterDisputes/Volume-I1920752696.pdf">the Cauvery River</a>, for example, involves Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka &ndash; three major South Indian states. With each state demanding ever more water, the river simply cannot keep up.

In Karnataka, where agricultural policies are heavily skewed towards water-guzzling commercial crops, such as sugarcane, mismanaged ground and surface water are dying a slow death. Still, the state continues to petition the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal for an increase in its share.

Water scarcity in Karnataka is aggravated by non-existent water quality management. Its rivers are choked with toxic pollutants, and oil-suffused lakes in<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/mar/01/burning-lakes-experts-fear-bangalore-uninhabitable-2025"> </a>Bengaluru, the capital, are reportedly catching fire.

Meanwhile, in the northern part of the country, the Ravi-Beas River is causing conflict between Punjab and Haryana states.

In India&rsquo;s water wars, rivers are a resource to be harnessed and extracted for each riparian party&rsquo;s maximum benefit. Very little emphasis has been placed on conserving and protecting existing water sources. And not one inter-state negotiation has prioritised pollution abatement or demand management.

Even policies from the national government, which claims to target water conservation and demand management, remain reliant on supply-side solutions. Big infrastructure programs, such as the Indian river-linking plan, envision large-scale water transfer from one river basin to another, again seeking to augment supply rather than conserve water and reduce consumption.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/173878/width754/file-20170614-15456-1nv2bsf.jpg" />
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Sand mining on the Cauvery river in 2017. Prashanth NS/Flickr, CC BY-SA
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For inspiration on managing demand, India could look to Berlin in Germany, Singapore and California, all of which have designed and implemented such policies in recent years. Successful measures include raising public awareness, recycling water, fixing leaks, preventing theft and implementing conservation measures such as water harvesting and stormwater management.

<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/78372/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />Between rapidly disappearing fresh water, unchecked pollution and so many thirsty citizens, India is facing an impending water crisis unlike anything prior generations have seen. If the nation does not begin aggressively conserving water, the faucets will run soon dry. There is simply no more supply to misuse.

Asit K. Biswas, Distinguished Visiting Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore; Cecilia Tortajada, Senior Research Fellow, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, and Udisha Saklani, Independent Policy Researcher

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/indias-wells-are-running-dry-fast-78372">original article</a>.

Only about 10 percent of wastewater in India is treated owing to severe shortage of drinking water

By Asit K. Biswas, Cecilia Tortajada and Udisha Saklani Over the past three years, the monsoon – the rainy season that runs from June through September, depending on the region – has been weak or delayed across much of India, causing widespread water shortages. With the onset of summer this year, southern India, particularly Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu states, are already wilting under a blistering sun and repeated heatwaves. Drought is expected to affect at least eight states in 2017, which is a devastating possibility in a country where agriculture accounted for 17.5% of GDP in 2015 and provides the livelihood for nearly half the population. Across rural India, water bodies, including man-made lakes and reservoirs, are fast disappearing after decades of neglect and pollution. “They have drained out the water and converted the land into a plot for schools, dispensaries, and other construction activities,” Manoj Misra of the NGO Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan warned in The Hindu newspaper as far back as 2012. Not a drop to drink It wasn’t always this way. For the past 2,500 years, India has managed its water needs by increasing supply. Prior to industrialisation and the accompanying global “green revolution” in the 1960s, which saw the development of high-yield variety crops using new technologies, India’s water availability was plentiful. Households, industries and farmers freely extracted groundwater and dumped untreated waste into waterways without a second thought. But such practices are now increasingly untenable in this rapidly growing country. Per capita availability of water has been steadily falling for over a decade, dropping from 1,816 cubic metres per person in 2001 to 1,545 cubic metres in 2011. For nearly 50 years, a misguided groundwater policy has sucked India dry; water tables have declined by an average of one metre every three years in some parts of the Indus basin, turning it into the second most over-stressed aquifer in the world, according to NASA × The decline is projected to deepen in coming years as the population grows. India, which currently has 1.3 billion people, is set to overtake China by 2022 and reach 1.7 billion in 2050. Water scarcity is also exacerbated by a growth in water-intensive industries, such as thermal power production, extraction and mining, as India seeks to feed and power its growing population. In addition to affecting biodiversity, these activities also alter natural water systems. Still, successive governments have pursued the same old supply-centric policies, paying little heed to the country’s waning clean water supplies. For nearly 50 years, a misguided groundwater policy has sucked India dry; water tables have declined by an average of one metre every three years in some parts of the Indus basin, turning it into the second most over-stressed aquifer in the world, according to NASA. Across nearly the whole country, basic sewage management is also lacking. According to the Third World Centre for Water Management, only about 10% of waste water in the country is collected and properly treated. As a result, all water bodies in and around urban centres are seriously polluted. Today, the country is struggling to provide safe drinking water to every citizen. What conservation? Even so, residents of New Delhi or Kolkata today use more than twice as much water, on average, than people in Singapore, Leipzig, Barcelona or Zaragoza, according to data compiled by the Third World Research Centre. Residents of New Delhi or Kolkata today use more than twice as much water, on average, than those in Singapore, Leipzig, Barcelona or Zaragoza, according to the Third World Research Centre × The water use in Delhi is 220 litres per capita per day (lpcd), while some European cities boast figures of 95 to 120 lpcd. Excess consumption is attributable in part to citizen indifference about conserving water after so many years of plentiful supply. Since large swaths of many Indian megacities lack piped supply of clean water, leaks and theft are common. Cities in India lose 40% to 50% due to leakages and non-authorised connections. At this point, the only viable option for India would seem to be managing demand and using water more efficiently. The country is making tentative steps in that direction. The 2016 new National Water Framework, passed emphasises the need for conservation and more efficient water use. But under India’s Constitution, states are responsible for managing water, so central policies have little resonance. Neither the 1987 and 2012 National Water Policy documents, which contained similar recommendations to the 2016 policy, had any real impact on water use. And after millennia of exclusive focus on expanding the water supply, the idea of curbing water consumption and increase reuse remains a mostly alien concept in India. Water wars Consistent supply-centric thinking has also resulted in competition for water as states negotiate the allocation of river water based on local needs. India’s inter-state disputes on water usage have reached a critical point. Wikimedia, CC BY-ND The century-long conflict over the Cauvery River, for example, involves Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka – three major South Indian states. With each state demanding ever more water, the river simply cannot keep up. In Karnataka, where agricultural policies are heavily skewed towards water-guzzling commercial crops, such as sugarcane, mismanaged ground and surface water are dying a slow death. Still, the state continues to petition the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal for an increase in its share. Water scarcity in Karnataka is aggravated by non-existent water quality management. Its rivers are choked with toxic pollutants, and oil-suffused lakes in Bengaluru, the capital, are reportedly catching fire. Meanwhile, in the northern part of the country, the Ravi-Beas River is causing conflict between Punjab and Haryana states. In India’s water wars, rivers are a resource to be harnessed and extracted for each riparian party’s maximum benefit. Very little emphasis has been placed on conserving and protecting existing water sources. And not one inter-state negotiation has prioritised pollution abatement or demand management. Even policies from the national government, which claims to target water conservation and demand management, remain reliant on supply-side solutions. Big infrastructure programs, such as the Indian river-linking plan, envision large-scale water transfer from one river basin to another, again seeking to augment supply rather than conserve water and reduce consumption. Sand mining on the Cauvery river in 2017. Prashanth NS/Flickr, CC BY-SA For inspiration on managing demand, India could look to Berlin in Germany, Singapore and California, all of which have designed and implemented such policies in recent years. Successful measures include raising public awareness, recycling water, fixing leaks, preventing theft and implementing conservation measures such as water harvesting and stormwater management. Between rapidly disappearing fresh water, unchecked pollution and so many thirsty citizens, India is facing an impending water crisis unlike anything prior generations have seen. If the nation does not begin aggressively conserving water, the faucets will run soon dry. There is simply no more supply to misuse. Asit K. Biswas, Distinguished Visiting Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore; Cecilia Tortajada, Senior Research Fellow, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, and Udisha Saklani, Independent Policy Researcher This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

India?s wells are running dry, fast

A revived Roger Federer beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5 in the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday (March 19th) to earn a record-tying fifth Indian Wells title and distinction as the tournament&#39;s oldest winner.

The win by the 35-year-old Swiss master, who made a stunning return from a six-month layoff by winning the Australian Open in January, capped an impressive run in the California desert in which he did not lose a set the entire way.

The rematch of the Australian Open semi-final saw the close friends hold serve until the 10th game of the opening set when Federer, ahead 5-4, outlasted Wawrinka in a thrilling 21-shot rally for the service break.

Wawrinka, who was making his first appearance in an Indian Wells final, broke right back and held serve to move ahead 2-0 in the ensuing set but Federer never wavered.

Federer now joins Novak Djokovic a five-time winner at the event and becomes the oldest champion in the tournament&#39;s history, surpassing Jimmy Connors who was 31 when he triumphed in 1984.

(Reuters)

The win by the 35-year-old Swiss master capped an impressive run in the California desert in which he did not lose a set the entire way

A revived Roger Federer beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5 in the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday (March 19th) to earn a record-tying fifth Indian Wells title and distinction as the tournament's oldest winner. The win by the 35-year-old Swiss master, who made a stunning return from a six-month layoff by winning the Australian Open in January, capped an impressive run in the California desert in which he did not lose a set the entire way. The rematch of the Australian Open semi-final saw the close friends hold serve until the 10th game of the opening set when Federer, ahead 5-4, outlasted Wawrinka in a thrilling 21-shot rally for the service break. Wawrinka, who was making his first appearance in an Indian Wells final, broke right back and held serve to move ahead 2-0 in the ensuing set but Federer never wavered. Federer now joins Novak Djokovic a five-time winner at the event and becomes the oldest champion in the tournament's history, surpassing Jimmy Connors who was 31 when he triumphed in 1984. (Reuters)

Roger Federer defeats Stan Wawrinka for historic Indian Wells title

Nick Kyrgios ended three-time champion Novak Djokovic&#39;s reign at Indian Wells on Wednesday, toppling the world number two in the fourth round of the year&#39;s first Masters event.

The 21-year-old Australian triumphed 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), notching his second victory over Djokovic in less than two weeks after stunning the Serb in their first career meeting at Acapulco.

Djokovic had won 19 straight matches at Indian Wells in winning the title in 2014, 2015 and 2016. He also won the title in the California desert in 2008 and 2011.

Kyrgios will get a shot at another big name in the quarter-finals. He&#39;ll take on the winner of the fourth-round match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Kyrgios triumphed 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), notching his second victory over Djokovic in less than two weeks

Nick Kyrgios ended three-time champion Novak Djokovic's reign at Indian Wells on Wednesday, toppling the world number two in the fourth round of the year's first Masters event. The 21-year-old Australian triumphed 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), notching his second victory over Djokovic in less than two weeks after stunning the Serb in their first career meeting at Acapulco. Djokovic had won 19 straight matches at Indian Wells in winning the title in 2014, 2015 and 2016. He also won the title in the California desert in 2008 and 2011. Kyrgios will get a shot at another big name in the quarter-finals. He'll take on the winner of the fourth-round match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. (AFP)

Nick Kyrgios beats defending champion Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams battled back from a break down in the final set to beat Chinese qualifier Peng Shuai and reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells on Tuesday.

Williams advanced 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 and could next face Angelique Kerber -- the woman who will supplant Serena Williams atop the world rankings next Monday.

Second-seeded Kerber, the top player in the draw after Serena Williams&#39;s injury withdrawal, faced Russian Elena Vesnina for a place in the last eight later Tuesday.

Eighth-seeded Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova sped past Caroline Garcia 6-1, 6-4 to lead the way into the quarters.

Kuznetsova is in the last eight in the California desert for the first time since reaching back-to-back finals in 2007 and 2008.

The 31-year-old Russian, owner of two Grand Slam singles titles, enjoyed a resurgence in 2016, winning two titles and upsetting world number one Serena Williams in Miami as she returned to the top 10 in the world for the first time since 2010.

&quot;I just fell in love with the game again,&quot; said Kuznetsova, who next faces compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who toppled fifth-seeded Slovak Dominika Cibulkova 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.

Kuznetsova has won five of eight career clashes with Pavlyuchenkova, but Pavlyuchenkova has won their most recent meetings, at Sydney and Melbourne this year.

Pavlyuchenkova belted 35 winners as she kept the normally aggressive Cibulkova in check, avenging a three-set loss to the Slovak in Doha.

&quot;I always like to get revenges,&quot; Pavlyuchenkova said.&nbsp;

&quot;The key was to be aggressive, which is my game, but at the same time find the balance between being aggressive and not giving her a lot of easy shots, easy points, because she&#39;s a great fighter, and she&#39;s always there.

&quot;I know when she&#39;s down in the score, she&#39;s going for the shots. I was trying to balance all that and mixing my serve, as well.&quot;

Third-seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova booked her quarter-final berth with an abbreviated appearance under the hot desert sun.

She was leading Timea Bacsinszky 5-1 when the Swiss player retired with a left wrist injury.

Pliskova next faces either seventh-seeded French Open champion Garbine Muguruza or 10th-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, winner of titles in Taiwan and Dubai already this year.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Venus Williams advanced 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 and could next face Angelique Kerber

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams battled back from a break down in the final set to beat Chinese qualifier Peng Shuai and reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells on Tuesday. Williams advanced 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 and could next face Angelique Kerber -- the woman who will supplant Serena Williams atop the world rankings next Monday. Second-seeded Kerber, the top player in the draw after Serena Williams's injury withdrawal, faced Russian Elena Vesnina for a place in the last eight later Tuesday. Eighth-seeded Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova sped past Caroline Garcia 6-1, 6-4 to lead the way into the quarters. Kuznetsova is in the last eight in the California desert for the first time since reaching back-to-back finals in 2007 and 2008. The 31-year-old Russian, owner of two Grand Slam singles titles, enjoyed a resurgence in 2016, winning two titles and upsetting world number one Serena Williams in Miami as she returned to the top 10 in the world for the first time since 2010. "I just fell in love with the game again," said Kuznetsova, who next faces compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who toppled fifth-seeded Slovak Dominika Cibulkova 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. Kuznetsova has won five of eight career clashes with Pavlyuchenkova, but Pavlyuchenkova has won their most recent meetings, at Sydney and Melbourne this year. Pavlyuchenkova belted 35 winners as she kept the normally aggressive Cibulkova in check, avenging a three-set loss to the Slovak in Doha. "I always like to get revenges," Pavlyuchenkova said. "The key was to be aggressive, which is my game, but at the same time find the balance between being aggressive and not giving her a lot of easy shots, easy points, because she's a great fighter, and she's always there. "I know when she's down in the score, she's going for the shots. I was trying to balance all that and mixing my serve, as well." Third-seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova booked her quarter-final berth with an abbreviated appearance under the hot desert sun. She was leading Timea Bacsinszky 5-1 when the Swiss player retired with a left wrist injury. Pliskova next faces either seventh-seeded French Open champion Garbine Muguruza or 10th-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, winner of titles in Taiwan and Dubai already this year. (AFP)

Venus Williams fights past Peng to reach Indian Wells quarter-finals

Angelique Kerber might still get to celebrate her return to world number one with an Indian Wells title after battling past Pauline Parmentier 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the fourth round on Monday. 
 
Parmentier, the world number 62 from France, had the two-time Grand Slam champion from Germany on the ropes with a break for 3-1 in the third set. 
 
But Kerber fought back with a break in the seventh game and another in a marathon 11th game that gave her a 6-5 lead and a chance to serve for the match. 
 
&quot;At the end I think it was a tough match and a high level of play from both of us,&quot; Kerber said. &quot;I`m just happy to win the match.&quot; 
 
Kerber, who rose to number one in the world with her US Open triumph last year, is set to regain the summit no matter how far she goes this week thanks to the injury withdrawal of Serena Williams. 
 
She needed two hours and 33 minutes in the baking sun on Stadium Court to get past Parmentier, who until this year had never won a match at Indian Wells in five prior appearances. 
 
Kerber sealed it on her third match point -- but not before Parmentier had one last chance to break in the final game. 
Kerber next faces Russian Elena Vesnina, a 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 winner over Hungarian Timea Babos. 
 
Fourth-seeded Romanian Simona Halep faced a dangerous third-round meeting with France&#39;s Kristina Mladenovic, who has already lifted one trophy and reached another WTA final in 2017. 
 
Halep, who has been hampered early in the season by knee trouble, said she`s just happy to have the injury behind her. 
&quot;She`s playing very well, but I`m coming back,&quot; Halep said. &quot;I have no pressure. No expectations. And when I don`t have expectation, I play better.&quot; 
 
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, who saved three match points en route to her second-round win over Serbian veteran Jelena Jankovic, took on Czech Lucie Safarova while sixth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland faced China`s Peng Shuai -- a player who has twice knocked Radwanska out of the US Open. 
 
It&#39;ll be another US Open rematch when ninth-seeded American Madison Keys takes on Japan`s Naomi Osaka. 
 
The two played a third-round thriller at Flushing Meadows last year, with Keys triumphing in a third-set tiebreaker after rallying from 5-1 down in the third. 
 
(AFP)

Angelique Kerber battled past Pauline Parmentier 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the fourth round

Angelique Kerber might still get to celebrate her return to world number one with an Indian Wells title after battling past Pauline Parmentier 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the fourth round on Monday. Parmentier, the world number 62 from France, had the two-time Grand Slam champion from Germany on the ropes with a break for 3-1 in the third set. But Kerber fought back with a break in the seventh game and another in a marathon 11th game that gave her a 6-5 lead and a chance to serve for the match. "At the end I think it was a tough match and a high level of play from both of us," Kerber said. "I`m just happy to win the match." Kerber, who rose to number one in the world with her US Open triumph last year, is set to regain the summit no matter how far she goes this week thanks to the injury withdrawal of Serena Williams. She needed two hours and 33 minutes in the baking sun on Stadium Court to get past Parmentier, who until this year had never won a match at Indian Wells in five prior appearances. Kerber sealed it on her third match point -- but not before Parmentier had one last chance to break in the final game. Kerber next faces Russian Elena Vesnina, a 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 winner over Hungarian Timea Babos. Fourth-seeded Romanian Simona Halep faced a dangerous third-round meeting with France's Kristina Mladenovic, who has already lifted one trophy and reached another WTA final in 2017. Halep, who has been hampered early in the season by knee trouble, said she`s just happy to have the injury behind her. "She`s playing very well, but I`m coming back," Halep said. "I have no pressure. No expectations. And when I don`t have expectation, I play better." Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, who saved three match points en route to her second-round win over Serbian veteran Jelena Jankovic, took on Czech Lucie Safarova while sixth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland faced China`s Peng Shuai -- a player who has twice knocked Radwanska out of the US Open. It'll be another US Open rematch when ninth-seeded American Madison Keys takes on Japan`s Naomi Osaka. The two played a third-round thriller at Flushing Meadows last year, with Keys triumphing in a third-set tiebreaker after rallying from 5-1 down in the third. (AFP)

Kerber holds off Parmentier to advance at Indian Wells

A &quot;solid&quot; effort saw three-time champion Rafael Nadal safely through to the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters on Sunday with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Guido Pella.

French Open champion Garbine Muguruza battled past tenacious teenager Kayla Day 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 on Sunday to reach the fourth round of the Indian Wells WTA hard court tournament.

The seventh seed from Spain next faces Ukrainian 10th seed Elina Svitolina, a 6-2, 6-1 winner over Australian Daria Gavrilova.

Launching his campaign after a first-round bye, Nadal was happy to forego the fireworks on a blazing hot Stadium Court and secure a workmanlike win in one hour and 21 minutes.

&quot;It was a solid match,&quot; Nadal said of a contest made trickier by facing another left-hander in heat that had the balls flying.

&quot;I didn&#39;t try to do amazing things. I tried to play solid. I tried to find the rhythm, and I think I did. For moments I played well. For moments I played a little bit less well. Important thing, I won, and I won in straight sets.&quot;&nbsp;

Pella seized the early initiative, breaking Nadal in the third game. But Nadal won six of the next seven games to pocket the set and go up a break to open the second.

Pella recouped the break in the second game of the second set, but Nadal regained the advantage with a break for 5-2 and calmly served it out.

He knows he&#39;ll have to turn up the intensity if he wants to end a hard court title drought stretching back to 2014.

He&#39;s drawn in the so-called &quot;quarter of death&quot; that also features second-seeded Novak Djokovic, the three-time defending champion and five-time overall Indian Wells winner, along with four-time champion Roger Federer.

Federer cemented his return from a 2016 disrupted by injury with a triumph over Nadal in the Australian Open final in January, the Swiss star&#39;s 18th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic, rocked by a second-round exit at the Australian Open, was to launch his bid for a fourth straight Indian Wells title against Britain&#39;s Kyle Edmund on Sunday, while Federer took on France&#39;s Stephane Robert in the marquee match of the night session.

Only one of the star trio can make it to the semi-finals, where fourth-seeded Kei Nishikori or sixth-seeded Marin Cilic could await.

Japan&#39;s Nishikori, a two-time finalist this year still looking for a first title of the season, eased past Britain&#39;s Daniel Evans 6-3, 6-4.

Nishikori had reason to know how dangerous the Briton could be. Evans shocked him four years ago in the first round of the US Open.

&quot;I know he can play great tennis and when he was playing aggressively, he was very tough to play,&quot; Nishikori said. &quot;But I think I managed really well from the first point until the end. I think it was a good start.&quot;

&#39;That&#39;s sport&#39;

The jam-packed half of the draw is a contrast to the wide-open top half, which lost a lot of its lustre on Saturday when world number one Andy Murray was stunned by 129th-ranked Canadian qualifier Vasek Pospisil.

&quot;That&#39;s sport, no?&quot; Nadal said. &quot;Yesterday probably Andy didn&#39;t play his best match and Vasek served very well. So then you go to a tiebreak and anything can happen.&quot;

While Murray arrived in Indian Wells off a victory in Dubai, Nadal noted that the venue has not been kind to the Briton in the past and he expected Murray to be back at full strength for the fast-approaching Miami Masters.

&quot;Sometimes you don&#39;t feel comfortable in one event, and it&#39;s difficult to overcome that,&quot; Nadal said, recalling his string of disappointments in Cincinnati before he managed a victory there. &quot;When you have bad feelings in one event, sometimes it&#39;s difficult to overcome that.&quot;

(AFP)

'It was a solid match,' Nadal said of his 6-3, 6-2 victory over Guido Pella

A "solid" effort saw three-time champion Rafael Nadal safely through to the third round of the ATP Indian Wells Masters on Sunday with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Guido Pella. French Open champion Garbine Muguruza battled past tenacious teenager Kayla Day 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 on Sunday to reach the fourth round of the Indian Wells WTA hard court tournament. The seventh seed from Spain next faces Ukrainian 10th seed Elina Svitolina, a 6-2, 6-1 winner over Australian Daria Gavrilova. Launching his campaign after a first-round bye, Nadal was happy to forego the fireworks on a blazing hot Stadium Court and secure a workmanlike win in one hour and 21 minutes. "It was a solid match," Nadal said of a contest made trickier by facing another left-hander in heat that had the balls flying. "I didn't try to do amazing things. I tried to play solid. I tried to find the rhythm, and I think I did. For moments I played well. For moments I played a little bit less well. Important thing, I won, and I won in straight sets." Pella seized the early initiative, breaking Nadal in the third game. But Nadal won six of the next seven games to pocket the set and go up a break to open the second. Pella recouped the break in the second game of the second set, but Nadal regained the advantage with a break for 5-2 and calmly served it out. He knows he'll have to turn up the intensity if he wants to end a hard court title drought stretching back to 2014. He's drawn in the so-called "quarter of death" that also features second-seeded Novak Djokovic, the three-time defending champion and five-time overall Indian Wells winner, along with four-time champion Roger Federer. Federer cemented his return from a 2016 disrupted by injury with a triumph over Nadal in the Australian Open final in January, the Swiss star's 18th Grand Slam title. Djokovic, rocked by a second-round exit at the Australian Open, was to launch his bid for a fourth straight Indian Wells title against Britain's Kyle Edmund on Sunday, while Federer took on France's Stephane Robert in the marquee match of the night session. Only one of the star trio can make it to the semi-finals, where fourth-seeded Kei Nishikori or sixth-seeded Marin Cilic could await. Japan's Nishikori, a two-time finalist this year still looking for a first title of the season, eased past Britain's Daniel Evans 6-3, 6-4. Nishikori had reason to know how dangerous the Briton could be. Evans shocked him four years ago in the first round of the US Open. "I know he can play great tennis and when he was playing aggressively, he was very tough to play," Nishikori said. "But I think I managed really well from the first point until the end. I think it was a good start." 'That's sport' The jam-packed half of the draw is a contrast to the wide-open top half, which lost a lot of its lustre on Saturday when world number one Andy Murray was stunned by 129th-ranked Canadian qualifier Vasek Pospisil. "That's sport, no?" Nadal said. "Yesterday probably Andy didn't play his best match and Vasek served very well. So then you go to a tiebreak and anything can happen." While Murray arrived in Indian Wells off a victory in Dubai, Nadal noted that the venue has not been kind to the Briton in the past and he expected Murray to be back at full strength for the fast-approaching Miami Masters. "Sometimes you don't feel comfortable in one event, and it's difficult to overcome that," Nadal said, recalling his string of disappointments in Cincinnati before he managed a victory there. "When you have bad feelings in one event, sometimes it's difficult to overcome that." (AFP)

'Solid' Nadal powers ahead at Indian Wells

World number one Andy Murray crashed out of the ATP Indian Wells Masters on Saturday, sent spinning in straight sets by Canadian qualifier Vasek Pospisil.

Pospisil, ranked 129th in the world, triumphed 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), sealing the biggest win of his career on his fourth match point to the delight a stadium court crowd won over by the underdog&#39;s aggressive serve-and-volley style.

For Britain&#39;s Murray, it was yet another disappointing performance in the California desert, where his best showing is a 2009 runner-up finish to Rafael Nadal.

Last year Murray was bundled out in the third round, but he was hoping for much better as he arrived fresh off his 45th career ATP title in Dubai.

&quot;I don&#39;t know exactly why it is, because in practice here normally I play pretty well,&quot; Murray said. &quot;And then some years I played well. Some years it just hasn&#39;t quite happened for me. I don&#39;t know exactly why that is.&quot;

Murray was particularly disappointed to have dropped the first set after twice going up a break.

But he hurt his own cause with seven double-faults, part of a poor serving night that he said was key to the defeat.

Pospisil had never beaten Murray in four prior encounters. The 26-year-old, who defeated Taiwan&#39;s Lu Yen-Hsun in the first round as Murray enjoyed a bye, notched his fourth career victory over a top-10 player and his first since 2014.

The Canadian, a Wimbledon doubles title winner with Jack Sock, was ranked as high as 25th in the world three years ago, but plummeted to as low as 135th in the world during a tumultuous 2016.

Late last year he began working with Australia&#39;s Mark Woodforde -- and he gave a shout-out to his new coach on court after wrapping up the biggest win of his career in one hour and 51 minutes.

(AFP)

The world number one lost in straight sets to Canada's Vasek Pospisil

World number one Andy Murray crashed out of the ATP Indian Wells Masters on Saturday, sent spinning in straight sets by Canadian qualifier Vasek Pospisil. Pospisil, ranked 129th in the world, triumphed 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), sealing the biggest win of his career on his fourth match point to the delight a stadium court crowd won over by the underdog's aggressive serve-and-volley style. For Britain's Murray, it was yet another disappointing performance in the California desert, where his best showing is a 2009 runner-up finish to Rafael Nadal. Last year Murray was bundled out in the third round, but he was hoping for much better as he arrived fresh off his 45th career ATP title in Dubai. "I don't know exactly why it is, because in practice here normally I play pretty well," Murray said. "And then some years I played well. Some years it just hasn't quite happened for me. I don't know exactly why that is." Murray was particularly disappointed to have dropped the first set after twice going up a break. But he hurt his own cause with seven double-faults, part of a poor serving night that he said was key to the defeat. Pospisil had never beaten Murray in four prior encounters. The 26-year-old, who defeated Taiwan's Lu Yen-Hsun in the first round as Murray enjoyed a bye, notched his fourth career victory over a top-10 player and his first since 2014. The Canadian, a Wimbledon doubles title winner with Jack Sock, was ranked as high as 25th in the world three years ago, but plummeted to as low as 135th in the world during a tumultuous 2016. Late last year he began working with Australia's Mark Woodforde -- and he gave a shout-out to his new coach on court after wrapping up the biggest win of his career in one hour and 51 minutes. (AFP)

Indian Wells: Andy Murray dumped out by qualifier

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