In the first match of the day at Indian Wells on Thursday, Li Na took out Dominika Cibulkova in three sets in a rematch of the Australian Open final.
It should only be a matter of time before Cibulkova cracks the top 10.
It’s always exciting in the men’s game whenever an up-and-coming player can back up an upset over a member of the Big Four. Alexandr Dolgopolov did just that, extending his run against Milos Raonic after a huge third round win over Rafael Nadal.
Dolgopolov slammed the door on Raonic, who was looking to get back in the top 10 with a win.
How great is this picture?
The maddeningly inconsistent Sloane Stephens lost to Flavia Pennetta in three ugly sets. In an otherwise impressive week for the young American, she proved that she still has a long way to go.
As for Flavia, well, it wasn’t her proudest moment.
Flavia knows. RT @anushasez @SI_BTBaseline Carillo: "We're going to show you highlights from this match." Flavia: "We have to?"
— SI Tennis (@SI_Tennis) March 14, 2014
Flavia Pennetta almost embarrassed in press. Called the third set "a disaster". Had to reassure us she's happy to be through. #bnppo14
— SI Tennis (@SI_Tennis) March 14, 2014
Q. What were you thinking when you lost those six games in a row in the second, beginning of the third? PENNETTA: How stupid I am.
— SI Tennis (@SI_Tennis) March 14, 2014
In the final singles match of the day, Roger Federer put on a commanding performance against Kevin Anderson, winning 7-5, 6-1, and clinching a place in the top 5. He can get back in the top 4 if he wins the tournament, and believe it or not, can also move to No. 1 in the ATP race.
We saw a lot of this:
Although he lost the match, it was a great week for Kevin Anderson, who at No. 18, is at his career-high ranking.
I love those photo roundup posts! Awesome job.