Agassi v Hewitt Blockbuster On Tap Friday at Indian Wells

Sharapova upped her record on the year to 16-1, reversing a loss to the Frenchwoman at last year's US Open in their only previous meeting.

"She has a few favorite (service) spots, and I think I picked up on those," said Sharapova, whose return of serve was key against the former Australian and French Open winner. "I've seen her play a few matches. Her serve usually goes down the 'T.' I basically tried to cover those serves, but you still have to win the point."

Scheduled for Friday in Indian Wells are (4) Dementieva vs. Clijsters (Belgian leads meetings 5-1), (1) Davenport vs. (3) Sharapova (Russian leads 2-0), and in doubles (Q) Kirilenko/Salerni vs. (2) Petrova/Shaughnessy, and (1) Ruano Pascual/Suarez vs. (4) Raymond/Stubbs.

"Each match is tough and each match is different," Clijsters said. "The next thing I have on my mind is (Elena) Dementieva. So I'm definitely not thinking about winning the tournament, not at all, especially not in the situation I'm in now."
 
Federer Advances to Face Canas, Agassi v Hewitt Today at ATP Indian Wells

Those pining for a test when No. 1 Roger Federer faced the resurgent No. 29 seed Nicolas Kiefer Thursday were silenced when the Swiss manhandled the German 6-4, 6-1 in barely over an hour.

Federer is now 24-1 on the year, and looking the favorite to collect his fourth title of the year.

"I am so far very good, I haven't lost a set," Federer said. "That is always good. Sometimes, you win matches if you're No. 1 in the world, you still don't feel very happy. But this week has been very good. I like the surface."

The world No. 1 will face not-so-surprise semifinalist and No. 14 seed Guillermo Canas in the next round after the Argentine ousted No. 6 seed Tim Henman 7-6(1), 7-5. Henman looked to be battling nerves in committing 51 unforced errors against the Argentine, who he has now lost to five times in a row.

Up a break in the second, Henman gave it back before serving at 5-6, sprayed a simple forehand wide to end the match.

"I feel like my game style should suit me well playing against him," Henman said. "But my level throughout was just not good enough. You have to give credit where credit is due and he certainly is a great competitor. He makes you hit those extra shots and that caused me to miss a few volleys that I normally wouldn't miss. The execution of a lot of my shots was just poor. It's as simple as that."

Canas, who enjoys seeing Henman's face at the net with his arsenal of passing shots, chalks up the streak to the Brits game being a nice fit.

"Maybe I play better the important point against him," Canas said. "Maybe I have a little bit luck. Maybe the game he plays is good for me."

Winners in doubles quarterfinal matches Thursday were (1) Knowles/Nestor (d. (6) Paes/Zimonjic in three), (3) Bjorkman/Mirnyi (d. Argentines Etlis/Rodriguez in three), (4) Bryan/Bryan (d. Allegro/Kohlmann), and Aussies (7) Arthurs/Hanley (d. (2) Black/Ullyett 7-6 in the third).

On tap Friday in IW quarterfinal action are (9) Agassi vs. (2) Hewitt (career head-to-head tied 4-4), and (7) Moya vs. (3) Roddick (A-Rod leads 3-1, with all four encounters going three sets), and in doubles (1) Knowles/Nestor vs. (3) Bjorkman/Mirnyi, and (4) Bryan/Bryan vs. (7) Arthurs/Hanley.

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