Indian Wells: Serena Williams sets up date with sister Venus
What's the story
23-time women's singles Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams is set to meet her sister Venus in 3rd round of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells. She continued her comeback, after giving birth to a child, in a sublime manner. Serena was made to sweat against Kiki Bertens, but she held on for a 7-6, 7-5 victory in 1 hour and 52 minutes.
Information
Serena vs Venus a cracking battle
The third round encounter between the two Williams sisters is already being touted as match of the tournament. The two met last time in the 2017 Australian Open final, which Serena won. They are set to play their 29th competitive career singles game.
Big guns progress
Wozniacki, defender Vesnina move to 3rd round
2018 Australian Open champion and second seed Caroline Wozniacki moved into the 3rd round at Indian Wells after defeating Lara Arruabarrena 6-4, 6-1. She was joined by defending champion Elena Vesnina, who survived a scare to progress 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 against Catherine Bellis. Fourth seed Elina Svitolina advanced as well after overcoming Germany's Mona Barthel 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets.
Men's event
Dimitrov ousted, Federer made to wait
2017 ATP World Finals winner Grigor Dimitrov was stunned by Spain's Fernando Verdasco 6-7, 6-4, 3-6 to bow out. Austrian fifth seed Dominic Thiem beat Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. Men's world number 1 and 20-times Slam champion Roger Federer was made to wait after taking a 6-3 lead against Argentine Federico Delbonis. The match got suspended for the day due to rain.
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Maria Sharapova splits with coach
Russia's Maria Sharapova, who has just won five matches in 2018, split with coach Sven Groeneveld. She was ousted in the first round itself at Indian Wells by Naomi Osaka. The Dutch coach had helped her win the 2014 French Open.