Bouchard Gets Bounced, Jankovic Advances At Indian Wells; Pliskova v Puig Today

Eugenie Bouchard crashed out of the Indian Wells Thursday falling in the first round to German Annika Beck 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

The 23-year-old Bouchard has now lost her last three matches since beating Peng Shuai in the second round at the Australian Open in January.

“I think it was a lack of match play and an opponent who was there on every point. It was tough,” Bouchard said.

“I think it’s something that happens, a letdown after winning a set. I have to make sure I’m keeping the pressure on, but I definitely let off today.”

American women had mixed results going 3-4 on the day with Lauren Davis, Shelby Rogers and qualifier Varvara Lepchenko going through. Former 2010 champion and 2015 runner-up Jelena Jankovic advanced beat Irina Falconi 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

“I love playing this tournament, and it’s probably my favorite Premier event,” Jankovic said. “It’s a big tournament but it’s so cozy and relaxing. People are so nice and friendly. I love the hot weather.”

Jankovic now meets Venus Williams on Saturday.

Seeds take the court on Friday with Garbine Muguruza, Dominika Cibulkova and Svetlana Kuznetsova on the schedule. And two big matches feature Johanna Konta clashing with countrywoman Heather Watson and in the evening former US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova meets Monica Puig.