Indian Wells 2022: Garcia, Kanepi advance; Kenin ousted
Indian Wells 2022 season saw Caroline Garcia edge past Dayana Yastremska in one of the standout matches on Day 1 of main-draw play in California. Garcia broke her winless run versus Yastremska, sealing a crucial victory. On the other hand, the likes of Kaia Kanepi and Alison Riske also secured victories to advance further. Here are the details.
Garcia seals a crucial win
Garcia showed her calmness coming back from a break down in the deciding set to take the match 6-4, 6-7(8), 7-5. She sealed her victory in two hours, 27 minutes. As per WTA, this was her first win in three matches against Yastremska. Notably, both players had performed well last week on the indoor hard courts in Lyon, France.
I'm definitely pleased with the way I fought today: Garcia
After her win, Garcia stated that she is pleased with the way she fought. "I'm definitely pleased with the way I fought today and I stayed very positive every game. ... Having match points in the second set was really tough, but she played really well. Dayana is an amazing fighter and every time she's behind, she's playing her best tennis," said Garcia.
Kanepi books date with Bencic
Kanepi secured a sound 6-3, 6-3 victory over American teenager Robin Montogmery. Interestingly, she was playing for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open. Kanepi took just 71 minutes to defeat the reigning US Open girls' singles and doubles champion. She has set up a second-round meeting with No.22 seed Belinda Bencic in the round of 64.
Wins for the American quartet of players
31-year-old US player Riske produced a valiant display against Caty McNally. She sealed a 6-0, 6-3 victory. Fellow Americans Claire Liu, Ann Li, and Katie Volynets won their matches too. Liu beat Bulgaria's Viktoriya Tomova 7-6(2), 6-4. Volynets fought hard in a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 win over Arantxa Rus. Li earned a hard-fough 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-0 victory over Madison Brengle, saving two match points.
Haddad stuns Kenin
Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia stunned former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin with a 6-3, 7-5 win. "It's always nice to be here. First round is always a tough match. Sofia is a great player and a Grand Slam champion. I didn't play my best tennis but I tried to compete every single point," Haddad said. Kenin has now lost six straight matches.
