Indian Wells: Matteo Berrettini beats Rune; Tommy Paul stuns Zverev
Italy's Matteo Berrettini proceeded to the third round at the Indian Wells after beating Holger Rune. The Italian defeated Rune 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 and will now face South Africa's Lloyd Harris. Berrettini entered the Indian Wells with just one victory in three appearances. Meanwhile, America's Tommy Paul stunned world number three Alexander Zverev in the second round. The former won 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(2).
Why does this story matter?
Berrettini has claimed his second-ever win at the Indian Wells, an ATP Masters 1000 tournament. He had a win-loss record of 1-3 in the tournament before. Before the ongoing edition, his only win at the Indian Wells came against Alejandro Tabilo (2021, second round). The Italian now aims to get past the third round for the first time.
A look at the stats
Both Berrettini and Rune won 85 points in the match. The former smashed as many as 13 aces and 29 winners. Notably, Rune won 75% of the net points and 68% of the service points. Rune committed 23 unforced errors.
Berrettini will next face South Africa's Lloyd Harris
"It was definitely a tough match - I expected it. He's improving every time I see him. He's going to have a bright future," Berrettini said after the match. "Today I think I was able to manage the strokes. I'm really happy, because I wasn't feeling that comfortable in the court." Berrettini will next face South Africa's Lloyd Harris.
Tommy Paul stuns Alexander Zverev
Among others, Tommy Paul claimed the biggest win of his career. He upset world number three Alexander Zverev in the second round despite dropping a set. The former raised his level in the deciding set, winning 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(2). Paul registered his fourth victory over a Top 10 opponent. He will lock horns with Alex de Minaur in the third round.
Another ouster for Zverev
Zverev was one of the front-runners to win the Indian Wells Masters this year. The German lost to Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals last year. Zverev is 11-4 in the ongoing season, having reached the final in Montpellier (lost to Alexander Bublik).
