Badosa Slams Gauff, Pliskova Upset At Indian Wells; Full 4R Today

Paula Badosa’s breakout 2021 campaign continued Monday at Indian Wells where the Spaniard hammered American Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-2 to reach the fourth round.

Both players were playing their first Indian Wells and facing off against each for a first time. But the elder, more powerful Badosa got through the teen and the rain in just under an hour.

“I know she’s an amazing player,” Badosa said after her 7th Top 20 win of the year. “She’s going to be even better. But I played her doubles, so more or less I know what I could find today. I know she has an amazing serve. I knew I had to be pretty solid on mine as well. An amazing backhand. She’s very athletic as well. So I was expecting a tough match.”

Badosa will now meet French winner Barbora Krejcikova today for a spot in the quarters. The Czech had a similar easy win over a younger American cruising past Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 6-3.

“Barbora, we are very good friends,” Badosa said looking ahead. “We practice a lot. We played as well. She’s doing an amazing year. Insane. She’s a very talented player, so I know it’s going to be a very, very tough match.”

Top seed Karolina Pliskova was plunked out in a stunner to lucky loser Beatriz Hadad Maia 6-3, 7-5 for her second career Top 10 win.

“I think the key was my resilience in my mental game,” said Hadad Maia. “Now I’m proud of myself, of my work, and I’m going to prepare and get ready for tomorrow against Kontaveit. I think I didn’t play her in the pro tour. It’s going to be a nice game. She’s a good player and I will do my best and I’ll keep doing what I’m doing, try to be aggressive and prepare for tomorrow. Let’s work hard tomorrow and create opportunities during the match.”

Anett Kontaveit will be next after the Estonian stopped Bianca Andreescu’s title defense 7-6(5), 6-3.

Angelique Kerber topped Daria Kasatkina to set up a fourth round today against Ajla Tomljanovic. Ons Jabuer and Anna Kalinskaya moved on to a meeting.

Also returning today will be former champion Victoria Azarenka, Iga Swiatek, Leylah Fernandez and Elina Svitolina.