Top seed Angelique Kerber was stunned 6-3, 6-3 by Russia’s Elena Vesnina in a round of 16 clash of the Indian Wells in California on Tuesday. Vesnina blasted 28 winners and broke Kerber’s serve five times as the German failed to get a read on the Russian’s game. Despite the loss, the German will return to No 1 spot in world rankings next week.
The victory was Vesnina’s first against a top-three player and will now face Venus Williams in the quarters. Seeded 12th, Williams fought back from a set down to beat China’s Peng Shuai 3-6, 6-1, 6-3. Vesnina leads their head-to-head 3-2 and won their last encounter at the Miami Open.
In other matches, world number three Karolina Pliskova advanced to the last eight after her opponent Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland retired from their match. The Czech will now face French Open champion Garbiñe Muguruza of Spain, who beat Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-0.
Caroline Wozniacki also reached the quarters with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over ninth-seeded American Madison Keys. The Dane will meet Kristina Mladenovic of France, who beat American Lauren Davis 6-3, 6-3.
Eighth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova also progressed to the quarters with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Caroline Garcia of France. Kuznetsova will face compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova for a place in the semis. Pavlyuchenkova stunned fifth seed Dominika Cibulkova 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!