Australia

US Open finalist Fernandez continues outstanding form in Indian Wells, Murray marches on



Leylah Fernandez has continued her impressive form from the US Open by beating ninth seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in three sets to progress to the third round in Indian Wells.

As Fernandez enjoys another win in the early stages of her career, 34-year-old Andy Murray —  a two-time major winner —  is also celebrating, after defeating promising teenager Carlos Alcarez 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 in the men’s draw.

Fernandez, who reached the US Open final last month before losing to Emma Raducanu, defeated Pavlyuchenkova 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.

The Canadian 19-year-old had earlier trailed by a set and a break, before clinching victory.

Fernandez rose to a career-high ranking of 28 following her outstanding run at the US Open.

She is partnering Coco Gauff in the doubles in Indian Wells, with the pair having reached the quarter-finals.

In other results in the women’s singles draw,  Aliaksandra Sasnovich advanced after beating 11th-seeded and 2015 winner Simona Halep 7-5, 6-4.

The win followed Sasnovich’s upset defeat of Raducanu in the second round.

Sasnovich — ranked 100 in the world — has won three straight main-draw matches for the first time since 2019.

World number four Iga Świątek routed 25th-seeded Veronika Kudermetova 6-1, 6-0.

Swiatek — the second seed in Indian Wells — has dropped just five games in two matches during her first visit to the combined ATP and WTA tour event. 

Also advancing was fourth seed Elina Svitolina, who beat 32nd seed Sorana Cirstea 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3).

Murray marches on

Murray beat 18-year-old Alcarez 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the third round in Indian Wells for the first time since 2016.

The 34-year-old Scotsman only gained entry to the men’s singles draw as a wildcard.

“I felt like in the second set he played maybe better,” Murray said.

“In the first set I felt like I had more of the opportunities but didn’t get it, so [I’m] happy with the way I fought.”

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Also on the men’s side, fifth seed Matteo Berrettini defeated Alejandro Tabilbo 6-5, 7-5 in his opening match, while the seventh-seed Felix Auger-Aliassime lost to Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-4, 6-2.

Australia’s 22nd seed Alex de Minaur got past countryman Aleksandar Vukic 6-4, 7-5.

Another Australian, John Millman, exited the tournament via a 6-2, 6-2 loss to 10th seed Jannik Sinner.

AP/ABC



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