Indian Wells: Naomi Osaka through, Venus downs Kvitova
Women's singles world number one Naomi Osaka started her Indian Wells title defense a 6-3, 6-4 triumph over Kristina Mladenovic. With this victory, Osaka moved safely to the second round. It was a good day for veteran Venus Williams, who surged past Petra Kvitova. In the men's section, Novak Djokovic reached the next round. Here's the complete report.
Osaka was on song against Mladenovic
Two-time Grand Slam winner Osaka sealed her tenth victory of the season. A few weeks ago in Dubai, Mladenovic had got the better of Osaka. This time the Japanese was on song as she won in straight sets. After losing 3-6 in the first set, Mladenovic fought back in the second, but Osaka kept her cool to stop her opponent from causing her issues.
Osaka to face Danielle Collins next
Osaka will take on Danielle Collins next. The 25th-seeded American beat Belgian Kirsten Flipkens, 6-4, 6-1. "I've never been a defending champion before - that's new and I was really nervous," said Osaka after her victory.
Venus fights back to seal a superb victory
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams went down early in the first set, but fought her way back to topple third seed Petra Kvitova 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 to reach the third round. She will face American Christina McHale next. McHale won her match 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. "Today I just fought and tried my hardest," said Williams after her win.
Pliskova, Kerber seal crucial victories
Women's fifth seed Karolina Pliskova started on a rusty note, but eventually beat Japanese qualifier Misaki Doi 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-1. She will face Ysaline Bonaventure in the next round. Bonaventure overcame Donna Vekic of Croatia 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. Germany's Angelique Kerber enjoyed a sweet victory over Yulia Putintseva. Kerber dominated the show with a 6-0, 6-2 win.
Indian Wells: Djokovic through, Kyrgios eliminated
Men's world number one Novak Djokovic overcame qualifier Bjorn Fratangelo in the second round clash. Djokovic won the tie 7-6, 6-2. The Serbian will take on German Philipp Kohlschreiber, who enjoyed a 6-4, 6-4 win over Australian Nick Kyrgios. The latter had won the Mexican Open last week. "I just didn't play well today," Kyrgios lamented.
India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran surges ahead
India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran continued his supreme form. He stunned world number 18 Nikoloz Basilashvili in the second round. The 29-year-old impressed with a 6-4, 6-7, 7-6 victory which included 10 aces. He is set to take on Ivo Karlovic in the third round. "It was definitely a huge match. I think I played better than I did in the previous round," said Gunneswaran.
