Real Madrid secured a spot in the Copa del Rey semi-finals with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Leganes, thanks to Gonzalo Garcia's 93rd-minute header on Wednesday.

Real Madrid defeat Leganes to secure semi-final spot in thrilling quarter-final clash

India, the bronze medallist from the Tokyo Olympics, will play Germany on Tuesday in the men's hockey competition to determine who advances to the Paris Olympics 2024 final.

Paris Olympics 2024: India to take on Germany in men's hockey for a berth in finals

American Jessica Pegula powered into the semi-finals of the season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun on Thursday, beating Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 to complete an unbeaten run through the group stage. Pegula, the oldest player in the field at 29, had already clinched her spot in Saturday's semi-finals and Sakkari was already out of contention before the match on the Mexican outdoor hardcourts.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka and fourth-ranked Elena Rybakina were fighting to move through as second in the group when their weather disrupted match was halted for the night with Sabalenka leading 6-2, 3-5. Rybakina will be serving to level the match when play resumes on Friday.

Pegula, who went winless last year in her WTA Finals debut, seized control early, leading 4-1 in the opening set on the way to a dominant victory in difficult, windy conditions. She took full advantage of 35 unforced errors from Greece's Sakkari, including eight double faults, Pegula reaching the last four without dropping a set.

Pegula was pleased to keep things rolling in the unfavorable conditions, saying she tried to play to the middle of the court and keep down mistakes. "It's so tough to play in these conditions," she told Tennis Channel. "You're trying to do your best and as soon as you get some momentum, you still feel like you could lose it.

"If you just stop moving your feet for one second, you get one unlucky shot. So you're very on edge. "It was crazy out there today," added Pegula, the first American to reach the final four since Sloane Stephens made the final in Singapore in 2018. Pegula's brisk run through her group matches included an upset of Sabalenka, whose clash with Rybakina was a rematch of the Australian Open final.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba/news-nba-mark-cuban-sells-majority-stake-of-dallas-mavericks-to-casino-tycoon-miriam-adelson-664600">NBA: Mark Cuban sells majority stake of Dallas Mavericks to Casino tycoon Miriam Adelson</a>

Sabalenka, of Belarus, triumphed in three sets for her first major title in Melbourne, pushing her career record against Rybakina to 4-0 before the 24-year-old from Kazakhstan won two straight, in the Indian Wells final in March and in the quarter-finals at Beijing last month. Sabalenka, who is one of several players who have complained about the condition of the court at this week's tournament, is not only gunning for the prestigious title.

She's also aiming to take the year-end number one ranking, which could still be claimed by Poland's reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek. Swiatek will be in action on Friday closing out group play against Ons Jabeur. US Open champion Coco Gauff takes on Marketa Vondrousova with all four players in that group still technically in the hunt for semi-final

American Jessica Pegula powered into the semi-finals of the season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun on Thursday, beating Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 to complete an unbeaten run through the group stage.

American Jessica Pegula powered into the semi-finals of the season-ending WTA Finals in Cancun on Thursday, beating Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 to complete an unbeaten run through the group stage. Pegula, the oldest player in the field at 29, had already clinched her spot in Saturday's semi-finals and Sakkari was already out of contention before the match on the Mexican outdoor hardcourts. World number one Aryna Sabalenka and fourth-ranked Elena Rybakina were fighting to move through as second in the group when their weather disrupted match was halted for the night with Sabalenka leading 6-2, 3-5. Rybakina will be serving to level the match when play resumes on Friday. Pegula, who went winless last year in her WTA Finals debut, seized control early, leading 4-1 in the opening set on the way to a dominant victory in difficult, windy conditions. She took full advantage of 35 unforced errors from Greece's Sakkari, including eight double faults, Pegula reaching the last four without dropping a set. Pegula was pleased to keep things rolling in the unfavorable conditions, saying she tried to play to the middle of the court and keep down mistakes. "It's so tough to play in these conditions," she told Tennis Channel. "You're trying to do your best and as soon as you get some momentum, you still feel like you could lose it. "If you just stop moving your feet for one second, you get one unlucky shot. So you're very on edge. "It was crazy out there today," added Pegula, the first American to reach the final four since Sloane Stephens made the final in Singapore in 2018. Pegula's brisk run through her group matches included an upset of Sabalenka, whose clash with Rybakina was a rematch of the Australian Open final. Also Read: NBA: Mark Cuban sells majority stake of Dallas Mavericks to Casino tycoon Miriam Adelson Sabalenka, of Belarus, triumphed in three sets for her first major title in Melbourne, pushing her career record against Rybakina to 4-0 before the 24-year-old from Kazakhstan won two straight, in the Indian Wells final in March and in the quarter-finals at Beijing last month. Sabalenka, who is one of several players who have complained about the condition of the court at this week's tournament, is not only gunning for the prestigious title. She's also aiming to take the year-end number one ranking, which could still be claimed by Poland's reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek. Swiatek will be in action on Friday closing out group play against Ons Jabeur. US Open champion Coco Gauff takes on Marketa Vondrousova with all four players in that group still technically in the hunt for semi-final

Tennis: American Jessica Pegula beats Maria Sakkari to complete unbeaten group stage run

Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri complimented&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../football-ronaldo-double-fires-juventus-four- points-clear-with-parma-win-275414">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>'s mother as the Portuguese star extended his scoring streak in a 3-1 win over Roma to advance to the Italian Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-beats-messi-to-become-most-influential-soccer-player-online-in-china-274930">Cristiano Ronaldo beats Messi to become most 'influential' football player online in China</a>

The Portuguese star picked up a Gonzalo Higuain cross after 26 minutes, finishing off from an angle in the Allianz Stadium.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-cristiano-ronaldo-continues-scoring-streak-to-put-juve-top-of-serie-a-273836">Cristiano Ronaldo continues scoring streak to put Juventus top of Serie A</a>

It was the 34-year-old's 12th goal in eight consecutive games in which he has played in all competitions for the Turin giants but his first in the Italian Cup.

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🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> has now scored in 1️⃣5️⃣ different club competitions! 
 
Not bad...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JuveRoma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JuveRoma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CR7Juve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CR7Juve</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoppaItalia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoppaItalia</a> <a href="https://t.co/2VyGHRMWYi">pic.twitter.com/2VyGHRMWYi</a>
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The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has also scored seven goals in four matches played in 2020.

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Our Coppa campaign continues! 🙌🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JuveRoma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JuveRoma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoppaItalia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoppaItalia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FinoAllaFine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FinoAllaFine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaJuve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaJuve</a> <a href="https://t.co/7j05QmcApy">pic.twitter.com/7j05QmcApy</a>
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"I believe that the compliments should be made to his mother," said Sarri of Ronaldo who has now scored in 15 different club competitions throughout his career.

"He is in super form physically. In terms of explosiveness he is doing well, he takes great care of the details.

"It is difficult to improve on an individual level. We are talking about one of the greatest of all time and I would like to help him win a sixth Ballon d'Or.

Rodrigo Bentancur added a second goal after 38 minutes with defender Leonardo Bonucci nodding in a third just before the break.

Cengiz Under pulled a goal back for Roma five minutes after the break, rifling in from a distance with the ball hitting the crossbar and bouncing in off goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in the Juventus goal.

Buffon denied Alessandro Florenzi and Aleksandar Kolarov to keep Juventus on course in the competition they have won 13 times but exited in the quarter-finals last season to Atalanta.&nbsp;

Brazilian Danilo limped off before the break to be replaced by Juan Cuadrado, leaving Sarri with an injury worry ahead of this weekend's trip to Napoli.

Roma, fourth in the league, were struggling with injuries while Edin Dzeko was sitting out a ban, but their form was worrying just four days before their derby clash against city rivals Lazio.

"The difference in the first half was efficiency," said Roma coach Paulo Fonseca.

"The first chance they had, they scored. The same for the second.

"We know that Edin Dzeko is a very important player for us and his ban was damaging, but the forwards could have done much better this evening."

Juventus&nbsp;who lost the Italian SuperCup last month to Lazio&nbsp;will play either AC Milan or Torino in the semi-finals.

Holders Lazio were eliminated in the quarter-finals on Tuesday with a 1-0 loss to Napoli.

Italy international Lorenzo Insigne needed just 99 seconds to score the goal that won a match in which both teams had a player sent off and Serie A top scorer Ciro Immobile missed a penalty in the first 25 minutes.

AC Milan travel to Torino next Tuesday with Inter Milan hosting Fiorentina.

The final will be played on May 13 in Rome.

Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri complimented Cristiano Ronaldo's mother as the Portuguese star extended his scoring streak in a 3-1 win over Roma to advance to the Italian Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.

Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri complimented Cristiano Ronaldo's mother as the Portuguese star extended his scoring streak in a 3-1 win over Roma to advance to the Italian Cup semi-finals on Wednesday. Also read- Cristiano Ronaldo beats Messi to become most 'influential' football player online in China The Portuguese star picked up a Gonzalo Higuain cross after 26 minutes, finishing off from an angle in the Allianz Stadium. Also read- Cristiano Ronaldo continues scoring streak to put Juventus top of Serie A It was the 34-year-old's 12th goal in eight consecutive games in which he has played in all competitions for the Turin giants but his first in the Italian Cup. 🔥 @Cristiano has now scored in 1️⃣5️⃣ different club competitions! Not bad...#JuveRoma #CR7Juve #CoppaItalia pic.twitter.com/2VyGHRMWYi — JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) January 22, 2020 × The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has also scored seven goals in four matches played in 2020. Our Coppa campaign continues! 🙌🏆#JuveRoma #CoppaItalia #FinoAllaFine #ForzaJuve pic.twitter.com/7j05QmcApy — JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) January 23, 2020 × "I believe that the compliments should be made to his mother," said Sarri of Ronaldo who has now scored in 15 different club competitions throughout his career. "He is in super form physically. In terms of explosiveness he is doing well, he takes great care of the details. "It is difficult to improve on an individual level. We are talking about one of the greatest of all time and I would like to help him win a sixth Ballon d'Or. Rodrigo Bentancur added a second goal after 38 minutes with defender Leonardo Bonucci nodding in a third just before the break. Cengiz Under pulled a goal back for Roma five minutes after the break, rifling in from a distance with the ball hitting the crossbar and bouncing in off goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in the Juventus goal. Buffon denied Alessandro Florenzi and Aleksandar Kolarov to keep Juventus on course in the competition they have won 13 times but exited in the quarter-finals last season to Atalanta. Brazilian Danilo limped off before the break to be replaced by Juan Cuadrado, leaving Sarri with an injury worry ahead of this weekend's trip to Napoli. Roma, fourth in the league, were struggling with injuries while Edin Dzeko was sitting out a ban, but their form was worrying just four days before their derby clash against city rivals Lazio. "The difference in the first half was efficiency," said Roma coach Paulo Fonseca. "The first chance they had, they scored. The same for the second. "We know that Edin Dzeko is a very important player for us and his ban was damaging, but the forwards could have done much better this evening." Juventus who lost the Italian SuperCup last month to Lazio will play either AC Milan or Torino in the semi-finals. Holders Lazio were eliminated in the quarter-finals on Tuesday with a 1-0 loss to Napoli. Italy international Lorenzo Insigne needed just 99 seconds to score the goal that won a match in which both teams had a player sent off and Serie A top scorer Ciro Immobile missed a penalty in the first 25 minutes. AC Milan travel to Torino next Tuesday with Inter Milan hosting Fiorentina. The final will be played on May 13 in Rome.

Mum's the word as Ronaldo fires Juventus into Italian Cup semi-finals

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal on Wednesday (local time) entered the semi-finals of the ongoing US Open as he defeated Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 in the quarter-final match.

The match was played on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Spaniard was able to showcase an aggressive style of tennis in the first set and he quickly took a 4-0 lead, but Schwartzman was able to win four games in succession to bring the scoreline to 4-4. However, Nadal was able to maintain his composure on the court and he was able to win the first set 6-4.&nbsp;

The second set was also a closely fought affair as both players went back and forth to keep the intensity of the match alive.

The 33-year-old Nadal was able to maintain his composure and he took the second set 7-5.

After winning the first two sets, Nadal did not waste time in wrapping up the third set and he won it 6-2.

Nadal will now face Italy's Matteo Berrettini in the semi-final match.

Berrettini had defeated Gael Monfils 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) in the quarter-finals.

Earlier, both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were knocked out of the tournament.

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal on Wednesday (local time) entered the semi-finals of the ongoing US Open as he defeated Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 in the quarter-final match.

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal on Wednesday (local time) entered the semi-finals of the ongoing US Open as he defeated Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 in the quarter-final match. The match was played on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Spaniard was able to showcase an aggressive style of tennis in the first set and he quickly took a 4-0 lead, but Schwartzman was able to win four games in succession to bring the scoreline to 4-4. However, Nadal was able to maintain his composure on the court and he was able to win the first set 6-4. The second set was also a closely fought affair as both players went back and forth to keep the intensity of the match alive. The 33-year-old Nadal was able to maintain his composure and he took the second set 7-5. After winning the first two sets, Nadal did not waste time in wrapping up the third set and he won it 6-2. Nadal will now face Italy's Matteo Berrettini in the semi-final match. Berrettini had defeated Gael Monfils 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) in the quarter-finals. Earlier, both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were knocked out of the tournament.

US Open: Rafael Nadal enters semi-finals

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty reached her first Grand Slam semi-final as she outplayed error-prone American Madison Keys 6-3, 7-5 at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-rafael-nadal-to-meet-in-french-open-semi-finals-224365">French Open</a> on Thursday.

In a quarter-final clash postponed on Wednesday because of heavy rain, Barty produced an intelligent display full of guile in the Court Suzanne Lenglen sunshine.

Barty's greater variety proved too much for 2018 semi-finalist Keys whose power game broke down at the vital moments.

A reflex backhand winner gave 23-year-old Barty the decisive break when Keys served at 3-4 in the first set.

Using her clever changes of pace, she provoked errors from the powerful Keys to break again at 3-3 in the second.

Serving for the match at 5-4 Barty wavered for the first time in the match, double-faulting and then netting a forehand on break point to hand Keys a way back into the match.

But the respite was shortlived.

Keys dropped serve with a double-fault in the next game and this time Barty sealed victory to set up a semi-final clash with American teenager Amanda Anisimova who knocked out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-defending-champion-simona-haleps-run-ended-by-teenager-anisimova-224981">defending champion Simona Halep</a>.

"Anisimova has been playing some great tennis, to reach a semi-final you must be doing the right things," Barty, who once quit tennis to play cricket, said on court.

"It's an exciting opportunity for both us and we will both enjoy it tomorrow,"&nbsp;Barty said.

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty reached her first Grand Slam semi-final as she outplayed error-prone American Madison Keys 6-3, 7-5 at the French Open on Thursday.

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty reached her first Grand Slam semi-final as she outplayed error-prone American Madison Keys 6-3, 7-5 at the French Open on Thursday. In a quarter-final clash postponed on Wednesday because of heavy rain, Barty produced an intelligent display full of guile in the Court Suzanne Lenglen sunshine. Barty's greater variety proved too much for 2018 semi-finalist Keys whose power game broke down at the vital moments. A reflex backhand winner gave 23-year-old Barty the decisive break when Keys served at 3-4 in the first set. Using her clever changes of pace, she provoked errors from the powerful Keys to break again at 3-3 in the second. Serving for the match at 5-4 Barty wavered for the first time in the match, double-faulting and then netting a forehand on break point to hand Keys a way back into the match. But the respite was shortlived. Keys dropped serve with a double-fault in the next game and this time Barty sealed victory to set up a semi-final clash with American teenager Amanda Anisimova who knocked out defending champion Simona Halep. "Anisimova has been playing some great tennis, to reach a semi-final you must be doing the right things," Barty, who once quit tennis to play cricket, said on court. "It's an exciting opportunity for both us and we will both enjoy it tomorrow," Barty said.

French Open: Australia's Ashleigh Barty outplays Madison Keys, reaches her first semi-finals

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez thanked former club Liverpool for raising the standard of his game during a three-and-a-half-year spell at Merseyside, but the Uruguayan is focused on knocking them out of the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.

'If I score a goal against Liverpool I won't celebrate it', says Luis Suarez

Ajax stuns Juventus to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 1997 as Matthijs de Ligt's thumping second-half header secures a 2-1 second-leg victory in the last eight.

Ajax stun Ronaldo's Juventus to reach Champions League semis

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>
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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>
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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>
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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

Shattered Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt has said his young Davis Cup team will be better for their heart-breaking semi-final loss to Belgium and backed them to bounce back quickly from the disappointment.

Chasing their first appearance in the final since winning the 2003 title, Australia led 2-1 heading into the final singles in Brussels on Sunday but Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson met their match against David Goffin and Steve Darcis.

Hewitt said he could not fault the effort of his players in front of a parochial home crowd on clay courts, their least-preferred surface, but as a member of the team that beat Spain in the 2003 title-decider, he was still crushed by the defeat.

&quot;You come here to get the result. It&#39;s a bit raw at the moment,&quot; the two-time grand slam champion told reporters. &quot;Everyone gave 100 per cent. We left it all out there. But that doesn&#39;t make it hurt any less.

&quot;It&#39;s disappointing, but I&#39;ve told the boys, if it hurts it&#39;s because it means something.

&quot;These boys take a lot of pride wearing the green and gold and will bounce back.&quot;

With Bernard Tomic overlooked for the tie amid a deep form slump, Hewitt sprung a couple of selection surprises over the weekend, neither of which paid off.

After including the in-form Thanasi Kokkinakis in his squad, Hewitt ignored the young talent and plumped for 183rd-ranked John Millman, who lost the opening singles to Goffin on Friday.

Millman played well in defeat to Goffin but was discarded in favour of 69th-ranked Jordan Thompson who duly lost to Darcis on Sunday.

&quot;It was always going to be the case for a long time (to play Thompson on Sunday), so nothing in our plans changed,&quot; Hewitt said, defending the decision.

&quot;A lot of these boys haven&#39;t played in Davis Cup ties away from home,&quot; added Hewitt. &quot;It is different. It&#39;s tough. Especially in semis and finals. They&#39;ll be better for the run.&quot;

Belgium will play away to France in the decider in November.

Chasing their first appearance in the final since winning the 2003 title, Australia led 2-1 heading into the final singles in Brussels on Sunday but Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson met their match against David Goffin and Steve Darcis.

Shattered Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt has said his young Davis Cup team will be better for their heart-breaking semi-final loss to Belgium and backed them to bounce back quickly from the disappointment. Chasing their first appearance in the final since winning the 2003 title, Australia led 2-1 heading into the final singles in Brussels on Sunday but Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson met their match against David Goffin and Steve Darcis. Hewitt said he could not fault the effort of his players in front of a parochial home crowd on clay courts, their least-preferred surface, but as a member of the team that beat Spain in the 2003 title-decider, he was still crushed by the defeat. "You come here to get the result. It's a bit raw at the moment," the two-time grand slam champion told reporters. "Everyone gave 100 per cent. We left it all out there. But that doesn't make it hurt any less. "It's disappointing, but I've told the boys, if it hurts it's because it means something. "These boys take a lot of pride wearing the green and gold and will bounce back." With Bernard Tomic overlooked for the tie amid a deep form slump, Hewitt sprung a couple of selection surprises over the weekend, neither of which paid off. After including the in-form Thanasi Kokkinakis in his squad, Hewitt ignored the young talent and plumped for 183rd-ranked John Millman, who lost the opening singles to Goffin on Friday. Millman played well in defeat to Goffin but was discarded in favour of 69th-ranked Jordan Thompson who duly lost to Darcis on Sunday. "It was always going to be the case for a long time (to play Thompson on Sunday), so nothing in our plans changed," Hewitt said, defending the decision. "A lot of these boys haven't played in Davis Cup ties away from home," added Hewitt. "It is different. It's tough. Especially in semis and finals. They'll be better for the run." Belgium will play away to France in the decider in November.

Davis Cup: Australia will bounce back, says Hewitt

Talking to the media in Birmingham today -- ahead of India&#39;s Champions&#39; Trophy semi-final against Bangladesh tomorrow -- India captain Virat Kohli said they would not be &quot;taking anything for granted&quot;. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;There is no guarantee in these sports. A lot of teams have surprised their oppositions in the lower stages too. We are not going according to the past results and we will go into this game the way we treated the last one,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;Bangladesh has taken huge strides in cricket, in the last few years, they themselves say that. In the world cup 2015, they were really very good. We are not taking anything for granted,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

Watch video below:&nbsp;

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LIVE: Virat Kohli addresses the media at Birmingham ahead of the semi-final match against Bangladesh <a href="https://t.co/v0YkEv2gPC">https://t.co/v0YkEv2gPC</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/874960371299139584">June 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Things were a little &quot;lighter&quot;&nbsp;though during an earlier practice session, with some of the Indian stars breaking out into&nbsp;impromptu jigs. Have a look at the video below:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a> Team India players share light moments during practice session in Birmingham <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy2017?src=hash">#ChampionsTrophy2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/I2Xhl5tFLx">pic.twitter.com/I2Xhl5tFLx</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/874966705285365761">June 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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India play Bangladesh in the second Champions' Trophy semi-final tomorrow

Talking to the media in Birmingham today -- ahead of India's Champions' Trophy semi-final against Bangladesh tomorrow -- India captain Virat Kohli said they would not be "taking anything for granted". "There is no guarantee in these sports. A lot of teams have surprised their oppositions in the lower stages too. We are not going according to the past results and we will go into this game the way we treated the last one," he said. "Bangladesh has taken huge strides in cricket, in the last few years, they themselves say that. In the world cup 2015, they were really very good. We are not taking anything for granted," he added. Watch video below: LIVE: Virat Kohli addresses the media at Birmingham ahead of the semi-final match against Bangladesh https://t.co/v0YkEv2gPC — ANI (@ANI_news) June 14, 2017 × Things were a little "lighter" though during an earlier practice session, with some of the Indian stars breaking out into impromptu jigs. Have a look at the video below: #WATCH Team India players share light moments during practice session in Birmingham #ChampionsTrophy2017 pic.twitter.com/I2Xhl5tFLx — ANI (@ANI_news) June 14, 2017 ×

Watch: India captain Virat Kohli says 'not taking anything for granted' against Bangladesh

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