(Tennis news) In men’s singles, Tommy Paul was making his debut at Indian Wells this year and had defeated Feliciano Lopez, Dušan Lajović in the previous rounds. Paul had faced Rublev on three occasions and was yet to score a victory over the Russian. They had met this year in Madrid as Rublev prevailed in three sets but this time Paul was the one calling the shots in the match. 

Paul broke Rublev’s serve in the ninth game of the first set which was enough to take the set but Rublev turned around the game in the second set by taking a 3-1 lead. Rublev managed to take the second set and was looking for a fourth consecutive victory over Paul when a powerful cross court forehand by Paul hurt Rublev’s chances as he was only a game away from defeat. Rublev came back in the next game but Paul took the next two games to secure his first victory over Rublev. Paul defeated Rublev 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.

Daniil Medvedev entered the fourth round for the first time as he beat Filip Krajinović in a match where both the players showcased their physical capabilities. Medvedev had beaten Krajinović in the third round of the Australian Open this year but had lost to him here in the same stage two years ago. Medvedev did not let Krajinović take control of the rallies as he used dropshots and volleys to keep Krajinović down. Krajinović was one game away from taking the second set but could not get the ball past Medvedev at the net and at the baseline. Medvedev defeated Krajinović 6-2, 7-6(7-1).

Aslan Karatsev only needed an hour and half to beat Denis Shapovalov in their first meeting. Shapovalov had reached the fourth round here two years ago but this time couldn’t use his backhand to beat Karatsev. Karatsev is playing at Indian Wells for the first time and had pinpoint accuracy in the match as he secured victory with a passing shot. Karatsev defeated Shapovalov 7-5, 6-2.

In women’s singles, Beatriz Haddad Maia who is currently ranked 115 in the world recorded a massive victory over top seed Karolina Pliskova. Beatriz got into the main draw as a lucky loser as Nadia Podoroska had to withdraw due to a thigh injury and now Beatriz will face Anett Kontaveit in her next round. Pliskova’s serve was not effective this match as she was broken 8 times by the Brazilian. Beatriz defeated Pliskova 6-3, 7-5.

Defending champion Bianca Andreescu also suffered a fate similar to Pliskova as she was beaten by Anett Kontaveit, Anett had earlier beaten Bianca at the Eastbourne Open and at Miami two years ago. Anett looked in form right from the beginning as she hit a return winner off Bianca’s serve in the first game of the match. She kept attacking Bianca’s serve during the match as she took a two game lead in the second set and reached the fourth round for the second consecutive time. Kontaveit defeated Bianca 7-6(7-5), 6-3.

In a battle of top ranked players, Ons Jabeur beat Danielle Collins as she recorded a season leading 46 victories. Danielle had won in their only previous meeting a year ago in the fourth round of French Open but this time she committed 11 double faults and only won 28 percent of her second serves to lose her way in the match. Jabeur had a total of 12 break points in the match and won 7 of them to go into the fourth round. Jabeur defeated Danielle 6-1, 6-3

In men’s doubles, second seeds Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram were knocked out in a three set battle against Tim Putz and Michael Venus, after taking the first set Joe and Rajeev lost the second and in the third tiebreaker could not make a comeback. Tim and Michael defeated 4-6, 6-4, 10-6.

Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson lost their second match here to Kevin Krawietz and Horia Tecău in two tie breakers. Sam and Steve came close in the first one but could not make it far in the second as their run in the Indian Wells came to an end. Kevin and Horia defeated Sam and Steve 7-6(9-7), 7-6(7-4).

In women’s doubles, top seeds Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková took it easy against Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Ulrikke Eikeri as they lost only 5 games in two sets. Barbora and Kateřina defeated Aliaksandra and Ulrikke 6-3, 6-2.

Fourth seeds Alexa Guarachi and Desirae Krawczyk lost to Elena Rybakina and Veronika Kudermetova in a three setter where they failed to win a single point in the final set. Elena and Veronika defeated Alexa and Desirae 6-3, 6-7(2-7), 10-0.

Also read: Andy Murray downs Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells, Aliaksandra Sasnovich takes out Simona Halep