Zverev, Murray crash out of Indian Wells, Halep, Swiatek move to 3rd round

Sports Desk, US, Mar 14 (EFE).- World No. 3 Alexander Zverev of Germany has crashed out of the Indian Wells tournament.

The ATP Finals champion was defeated in his opening match 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7/2) on Sunday by 39th-ranked American Tommy Paul in 2 hours and 18 minutes.

A quarterfinalist at last year’s edition of the tournament, Zverev surrendered to an opponent, who played the match of his life and beat him for the second time in as many clashes.

The German struggled with his serve, succumbing to some powerful and solid tennis from Paul.

Zverev squandered a 4-2 lead in the third set and crumbled in the tie break, which Paul won 7-2 on his second match point.

The 24-year-old American will face Australia’s Alex De Miñaur in the third round.

World No. 6 Matteo Berrettini also advanced to the third round with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 win against Holger Rune of Denmark.

The Italian will meet South Africa’s Lloyd Harrison in the third round.

The three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray exited from the tournament after losing to 33rd ranked Alexander Bublik in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3, in 1 hour and 59 minutes.

In the women’s circuit, world no. 24 Simona Halep of Romania defeated American teenage sensation Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-4.

The 2015 champion, who also has two Grand Slam titles, will now meet compatriot Sorana Cirstea, who beat Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya.

The 2020 French Open champion, Iga Swiatek, also booked a third-round spot after returning from a set down to defeat world no. 40 Clara Tauson.

Swiatek’s next round opponent will be Germany’s Angelique Kerber, who crushed Russia’s Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 6-1. EFE

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