Four Russians remain in Indian Wells
Published: 18 March, 2009, 12:15
Russia has four players going through to the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open, better known as Indian Wells, with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Dinara Safina being the latest Russians to reach quarter-finals.
Late on Tuesday, the fast-rising Pavlyuchenkova left Spain's Nuria Llagostera Vives behind in straight sets, and will now challenge 7th seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the last 8.
Dinara Safina is also through after the top-seed sent American veteran Jill Craybas packing. Safina is not at the top of her game but still managed enough to overcome her 34-year-old opponent 7-5, 6-4.
Meanwhile, Vera Zvonareva beat China's Na Li in straight sets. The 2nd seed Russian had lost to Li in Indian Wells in 2007. This time a much-improved Zvonareva wrapped-up a 6-4, 6-4 victory. Up next for her is 9th seed Caroline Wozniacki of Poland.
In the men's game, Safina's brother Marat wasn't as successful as the inconsistent Russian lost to American wild card John Isner in two sets 7-5, 6-4. Isner goes through to play Juan Martin Del Potro in the next round.
Another Russian in the men's draw, Igor Andreev, was far more convincing. He knocked out French Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets and meets Croat Ivan Ljubicic next.
Meanwhile, defending champion Novak Djokovic booked his place in the last eight. The number three seed is through thanks to victory over Tommy Haas. Djokovic dominated the opening set to take that 6-2. The Serb met with more resistance in the second, but managed to claim that on a tie-break. He'll play Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Men's favourites Roger Federer, Raphael Nadal and Andy Murray are also through to the quarter-finals.
06.03.2009, 20:52
Davis Cup: Russia takes 2-0 lead against RomaniaRussia has taken a 2-0 lead in their first-round Davis Cup tie against Romania, with both Marat Safin and Mikhail Youzhny winning their games on the first day. |
20.03.2009, 14:06
17-year-old rushes into Indian Wells semisRussia’s tennis Cinderella, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, has continued her dream run by beating 7th seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open, known as Indian Wells. |
