Leylah Fernandez, Denis Shapovalov advance to 3rd round at Indian WellsCanada's Denis Shapovalov and Leylah Fernandez advanced to the third round at the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday.

Social Sharing

Medvedev, Nadal also open with wins; Paolini upsets Sabalenka on women's side

The Canadian Press(Mark J. Terrill/The Associated Press)comments

Canada's Denis Shapovalov and Leylah Fernandez advanced to the third round at the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday.

Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont., rallied to defeat Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in second-round action. The match lasted two hours 34 minutes.

It was the Canadian's first match of the tournament at Indian Wells after earning a first-round bye.

Two hours later, Fernandez of Laval, Que., prevailed over 20-year-old American Amanda Anisimova 2-6, 7-6(0), ret. in 1:36:03.

WATCH l Fernandez advances at BNP Paribas Open after Anisimova retires:

Leylah Fernandez advances at Indian Wells after Amanda Anisimova's abrupt retirement

23 hours agoDuration 2:59Leylah Annie Fernandez of Laval, Que., advanced to the third round of the Indian Wells Masters after her opponent, American Amanda Anisimova abruptly retired after losing the second set tiebreak.2:59

Anisimova retired after losing the second-set tiebreak.

It was a sudden and unexpected turn of events after Fernandez looked destined to lose the match just minutes earlier.

The Canadian fought off match point in the ninth game of the second set to reduce the deficit to 5-4. The 19-year-old then fought off three consecutive match points down 0-40 to break Anisimova's serve.

In the 11th game, Fernandez overcame two break points before dominating the tiebreak 7-0.

It was unclear why a teary eyed Anisimova told the chair umpire she would be unable to continue the match.

Fernandez, fresh off the defence of her Monterrey Open title — her second WTA crown — gets Shelby Rogers of the United States in the third round.

• Canada's Leylah Fernandez defeats Camila Osorio to defend Monterrey Open title

• Canada's Auger-Aliassime entering Indian Wells with high expectations for himself

Earlier on the same court, the 13th-ranked Shapovalov found his rhythm and began pulling away in the decisive third set. He broke his opponent on three consecutive service games to take a 5-1 lead.

The Canadian wrapped up the 43-minute third set with a lovely return on triple match point.

Shapovalov finished the encounter with seven aces and 30 winners, and managed to overcome 57 unforced errors and nine double faults.

WATCH l Shapovalov tops Davidovich Fokina at BNP Paribas Open:

Denis Shapovalov rallies to advance to 3rd round at Indian Wells

1 day agoDuration 3:49Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont., rallied to defeat Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 and advance to the third round of the Indian Wells Masters.More tennis coverage

(editor：)