Juan Martin del Potro standing tall, but Marin Cilic bows out
Juan Martin del Potro came through a tough match against David Ferrer at Indian Wells, but Marin Cilic was knocked out.
The sixth seed from Argentina made it five wins in a row against veteran Ferrer as he won 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) to reach the fourth round.
Del Potro squandered 10 break-point opportunities in the first set before it was a case of 11th time lucky as he edged ahead 4-3 before closing out the set in 10th game. He then held firm in the second-set tie-breaker.
Next up is his compatriot Leonardo Mayer, who beat Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel 6-4, 6-1.
His path to a possible title is looking good after several seeds, including Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem, were knocked out.
“I’m not thinking about that. I just want to keep winning,” he said. “It’s good for me to feel this confidence when I get to the court and I play well, but I’m going step by step.
“I will play another Argentinian guy tomorrow, which is a special match for both. It’s not easy when you play against a friend.”
Marin Cilic is another seed who crashed out as the second-ranked Croat went down 6-4, 6-4 against Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber.
Kohlschreiber faces the unseeded Pierre-Hugues Herbert for a place in the quarter-final after the Frenchman advanced when his compatriot Gael Monfils retired with a back injury.
“Very happy,” the German said. “I think my performance worked quite well from the start. I felt like Marin was maybe a bit nervous. I felt good. Played aggressive.”
First top 10 win for Kohlschreiber since 2016!
Upsets No.2 seed Cilic 6-4 6-4. Plays Herbert next.#BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/52Qsv4LpyV
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 13, 2018
Feliciano Lopez also caused an upset as he beat 2017 semi-finalist Jack Sock 7-6 (8-6), 4-6, 6-4.
Milos Raonic claimed his fourth-consecutive win over Joao Sousa as he overcame a second-set slump to win 7-5, 4-6, 6-2.
Next up for the Canadian is Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, who beat Dudi Sela of Israel 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic 3.0: Tennis great’s latest re-invention already underway with ruthless coaching move
The innovation doesn’t stop with Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic announces shock departure of long-term coach – ‘Thanks for everything my friend’
Did anyone see that Novak Djokovic coaching bombshell coming?
-
ATP Tour
Expert reveals how long Andy Murray could be sidelined if he requires surgery after ‘devastating’ injury
“The decision will be made to potentially treat it with non-surgery but that’s unlikely I think.”
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz has bad news for his rivals with latest remarks as he also gives insight into aggressive tactics
Carlos Alcaraz is “feeling great on the court” again, which should be a concern for his rivals.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka reveals how Novak Djokovic is inspiring her to reach for more
How world No 1 Novak Djokovic is inspiring Victoria Azarenka to reach for more.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner can’t control his laughter as he hits his physio in a ‘really important’ spot
Physio Giacomo Naldi was in Jannik Sinner’s line of fire at the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray faces agonising waiting game after ankle injury nightmare
Andy Murray waiting to hear whether he still has a chance to end his career at Wimbledon this summer.