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Roger Federer vs Andreas Seppi Preview – Indian Wells 2014 Round 3

Roger Federer vs Andreas Seppi Preview – Indian Wells 2014 Round 3

  • Posted: Mar 17, 2015

Roger Federer

Back in January, arguably the biggest upset in the entire Australian Open took place in the third round of the tournament when 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer was prematurely ousted from the event by an Italian player he had never lost to prior to that, Andreas Seppi. Now, less than two months player, the two competitors will cross paths for a 12th time on the tour, with Federer leading the head to head series 10-1. Can he avenge his earlier loss this time around?

You can follow the match Live Here: Federer vs Seppi Live Streaming

The second seed at this year’s event reached the third round of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event with a straight sets victory over Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman. He defeated his adversary 6-4, 6-2, and hit eight aces en route to the 63-minute victory. He will now move on to face Seppi, whom he is looking forward to meeting once again.

“I’m happy to play him again,” Federer said of his next opponent. “I was very disappointed with the performance I had in Australia. I know he can play well and can beat me, that’s not the problem. It was the way I was hitting the ball. I wasn’t playing very committed. I wasn’t sure exactly how I was going to hit my forehand and backhands. It was just a tough match overall and the match slipped away from me.

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The Italian reached the third round in the American desert with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Victor Hanescu. It was an impressive showing and now sets up an intriguing rematch, where all eyes will be on Seppi to see if he can duplicate his earlier efforts against the Swiss star.

“I really thought Seppi did a good job and nice job of putting the pressure on me, as well… I hope this time around it’s going to go better for me,” Federer added. “I will be prepared, there is no doubt about that. I’m happy I’m getting an opportunity to play him right away again.”

This marks the 12th time that these two competitors will cross paths on the professional tour, with Federer leading the series 10-1. While he has a dominant lead in the series, he suffered a surprising loss to the Italian at this year’s Australian Open, which certainly makes this match far more interesting this time around.

Prediction: Roger Federer in Straight Sets

For the latest tennis picks, check this: Tennis Betting Tips

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Rafael Nadal vs Donald Young Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 3

Rafael Nadal vs Donald Young Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 3

  • Posted: Mar 17, 2015

Rafael Nadal

Seven years removed from their first and only meeting on the ATP World Tour, Rafael Nadal will once again encounter local talent Donald Young at a Masters 1000 event. Their previous meeting, one that took place in 2008, solidified a 1-0 head-to-head series lead for the Spaniard, and he will be keen to maintain that lead en route to the fourth round.

Watch the match live here: Nadal vs Young Live Stream

The third seed earned a straightforward win on Sunday afternoon to advance to the third round in the American desert. He defeated Igor Sijsling 6-4, 6-2 in a match that lasted 97 minutes, and saw the Spaniard win 96% of his first service points in the process.

“He’s an aggressive player,” Nadal said of Sijsling. “I think I played well. I think I played a solid match to be the first match. I played with not many mistakes, winning a good percentage of points with my serve. One very important thing for me are the movements, and I think I moved myself a little bit quicker tonight than what I was doing one month ago.”

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With his straight sets win on Sunday, Donald Young is through to the third round of the Masters 1000 event, which equals the best performance he has ever had at a tournament this size. He defeated Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-2 to secure his spot in the third round against the renowned former champion.

“I think [Young] improved a lot the last couple of years,” Nadal said. “He’s playing very well, winning a lot of matches. Could be a very tough opponent for me. After tomorrow, I hope to be ready for it.”

This marks just the second time that these two competitors will cross paths on the professional tour, and the first time in over six years. Nadal leads the series 1-0 and will look to notch another victory in their Tuesday encounter.

Prediction: Rafael Nadal in Straight Sets

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Serena Williams vs Sloane Stephens Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 4

Serena Williams vs Sloane Stephens Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 4

  • Posted: Mar 17, 2015

Serena Williams

For the first time since 2013, world No. 1 Serena Williams and American youngster Sloane Stephens will meet on the WTA tour to rekindle their rivalry. Stephen’s ascended to notoriety with her upset victory over Williams at the Australian Open two years ago but still rails her American counterpart 1-2 in the head-to-head series.

Follow the match Live Here: Williams vs Stephens Live Streaming

The top seed at this year’s Indian Wells event secured her spot in the fourth round of the tournament with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Zarina Diyas in a match that lasted just 53 minutes. It was much different to her first match back in 14 years where she was clearly emotional and struggled en route to victory.

“I was just trying to get there and win my match in the first round,” she said. “I ended up playing a girl who was super tricky, and I was trying to stay focused, plus all the other stuff going on. But yesterday was super relaxing. It was good to have a day off to have a chance to prepare for my next match.

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Serena’s third opponent in the American desert will be Sloane Stephens, who is playing some formidable tennis for the first time in a while. She followed up on her upset win over Germany’s Angelique Kerber with a rollercoaster three-set win over Svetlana Kuznetsova. She eventually won the match 7-6(4), 1-6, 6-4 to set up the riveting encounter with Williams.

“I’ve had some tough matches with Sloane,” Williams said. “She’s had an interesting year, but I’ve noticed she’s been playing really well. She moves well and tries to do her best for everything.”

This marks the fourth time that Williams and Stephens will cross paths on the professional tour with Williams leading the series 2-1. The two have not crossed paths in over two years, which will certainly make their upcoming encounter an interesting one. In the end, Williams should still have little trouble closing out this match.

Prediction: Serena Williams in Straight Sets

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Simona Halep vs Karolina Pliskova Preview – Indian Wells 2014 Round 4

Simona Halep vs Karolina Pliskova Preview – Indian Wells 2014 Round 4

  • Posted: Mar 17, 2015

 Simona Halep

Following their first ever meeting at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships several weeks ago, Simona Halep and Karolina Pliskova will once again cross paths on the professional tour, and this time, the Czech will look to avenge her loss to Halep in the final. With Halep’s personal tragedy looming over her this week in the American desert, it would not be farfetched to see her 1-0 lead in the head-to-head series evaporate on Tuesday.

Follow the match Live Here: Halep v Pliskova Live Stream

Halep won her third round match against Varvara Lepchenko following a bit of a struggle. She eventually edged past her opponent in three sets, 6-1, 3-6, 6-1. Halep looked sharp in the opening set but was then met with some surprising resistance from the 26th seed in the second round. She eventually found her way back to safety and closed out the match thereafter. She won 64% of her first service points and converted five break points to close ou tthe victory in 2 hours and 14 minutes.

Next up for the Romanian is No. 14 seed Karolina Pliskova, who defeated Spain’s Garbine Muguruza 7-5, 6-4 to set up the encounter with the world No. 3. She struck nine aces, 77% of her first service points and saved the lone break point she faced in the match to close out the encounter in one hour and 24 minutes. It was clean, promising performance from the Czech native.

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This is the second time that these two competitors will cross paths on the professional tour, and given their respective weeks on the tour, and could be a far different match-up than their earlier meeting several weeks ago in the Dubai final. Given Halep’s wobbly performances so far, this could be Pliskova’s opportunity to avenge her loss last week.

Prediction: Karolina Pliskova in Three Sets

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Marin Cilic did not have high expectations for long-awaited return from injury

Marin Cilic did not have high expectations for long-awaited return from injury

  • Posted: Mar 17, 2015

Marin Cilic

Following a long layoff due to a right shoulder injury, reigning US Open champion Marin Cilic began his 2015 season this week in Indian Wells, where suffered a premature exit in his opening match in the desert.

While the world No. 10 lost to Juan Monaco in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, he was pleased with his performance, as he didn’t have high expectations for his first match back on tour.

“I wasn’t expecting that I’m going to be playing great tennis, which is always difficult in the first couple of matches,” he said. “Some players do feel great from the beginning, but I’m the kind of player that needs a few matches to get into it.”

It was a difficult road to his return at Indian Wells, and Cilic was not afraid to admit it. He even had some lingering pain in his shoulder, which is why he was unable to serve well.

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“In these last, let’s say 20 days, you get some blisters by not playing,” Cilic admitted. “Your body is sore, shoulder is sore, wrist, things like that. It wasn’t the best, but I’m looking forward. I’m looking at this as good preparation…”

Cilic will now look forward to continuing his steady return to the ATP World Tour by playing doubles with a player who has also been bitten by the injury bug, Juan Martin del Potro.

“You know how important it is to play matches, to play official matches, and to get myself going and to feel this feeling on the court,” he said. “With the doubles, I spoke with Delpo, and he expressed desire to play and also to get back on the court, as well. He’s planning to play in Miami, so a few matches in the doubles is always helpful.”

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Andy Murray vs Philipp Kohlschreiber Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 3

Andy Murray vs Philipp Kohlschreiber Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 3

  • Posted: Mar 16, 2015

Andy Murray

A riveting encounter between two entertaining competitors in Andy Murray and Philipp Kohlschreiber is scheduled to take place in the third round of the Indian Wells 2015 Masters event on Monday. This is just the third time these two athletes cross paths on the professional circuit, with the head-to-head series tied at 1-1.

Watch the match live here: Murray vs Kohlschreiber Live Stream

The world No. 4 began his week in the desert with a relatively straightforward 6-1, 6-3 over Canadian No. 2 Vasek Pospisil. He struck 14 winners and lived off Pospisil’s error’s to close out the match in 80 minutes. While he felt he needed to make some adjustments following the indoor Davis Cup rubber in Glasgow last week, he appeared to have a grip on the match and a feel for the court from the start.

“It was a good start,” said Murray after the match. “He didn’t serve particularly well. But even still, returning second serves, it was not easy… I thought I played quite a smart match, played solid. I didn’t go for too much, but I also felt like when we were in the rallies, I was dictating them, keeping him pinned in his backhand corner, and pushing him further and further away from the baseline.”

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Murray will come up against Philipp Kohlschreiber, who reached the third round of Indian Wells by beating Tim Smyczek in straight sets 6-3, 6-1. The German struck five aces, won 82% of his first service points and faced no break points en route to the 51-minute thrashing.

This is just the third time these two competitors will cross paths on the tour, and will not be an easy contest for the British No. 1. He has been dealt no favours against his German adversary, who holds a win over Murray back in 2010 on this same surface. While Murray is capable of overcoming the tough battle, he will need to play a clean match-up and remain focused for what could be a long, gruelling battle.

Prediction: Andy Murray in Straight Sets

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Maria Sharapova vs Victoria Azarenka Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 3

Maria Sharapova vs Victoria Azarenka Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 3

  • Posted: Mar 16, 2015

Sharapova

The first blockbuster match-up of the 2015 edition of the Indian Wells event is set to take place on Monday evening in the American desert, as world No. 2 Maria Sharapova and two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka will cross paths for the 13th time on the professional tour. Azarenka leads the head-to-head series 7-6, although Sharapova has won their two most recent clashes.

Follow the match Live Here: Azarenka vs Sharapova Live Stream

Seeded second, Maria Sharapova served up a 6-1, 7-5 scoreline against Yanina Wickmayer in her first match at the Premier level event.

“We have had some really good matches in the past, even though we haven’t played against each other in a while,” Sharapova said. “She’s made a few comebacks, and she’s already been playing really good tennis. I always look forward to our matches, and I’m sure it’ll be a good one this time.”

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The 32nd seed at this year’s Indian Wells event, Victoria Azarenka, reached the third round of the tournament after beating former Wimbledon semifinalist Kirsten Flipkens in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. While the scoreline suggests it was a simple match, Azarenka had to fight back from a break down in the second set to close out the match.

“It’s great for me the more matches I can get like that,” Azarenka said of the looming match-up. “To play against one of the best players, it’s perfect. I’m looking forward to that. I definitely need to play my best tennis because she’s been playing great. So I’m really looking forward to that one.”

Sharapova and Azarenka have crossed paths on 13 previous occasions, with the Belarusian leading the series 7-6. However, her Russian adversary won their two most recent meetings on the tour, and will look for the trifecta on Monday at Indian Wells.While Azarenka has improved tremendously over the past few months, she is yet to find the form that will see her beat top ranked opposition consistently.

Prediction: Maria Sharapova in Three Sets

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Novak Djokovic vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 3

Novak Djokovic vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 3

  • Posted: Mar 16, 2015

 Novak Djokovic

Following a breezy opening match at Indian Wells, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic is though to the third round of the Mastes 1000 event, where he will encounter Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas for the first time on the professional tour.

You will be able to follow the match live here: Djokovic vs Ramos-Vinolas Live Stream

The top seed at this year’s edition of the American desert Masters event began his campaign on Saturday evening against former Aussie Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis, whom he defeated in straight sets to advance to the following stage. He beat Baghdatis 6-1, 6-3 in a lopsided affair to move his unblemished record in the head-t-series to 8-0. Djokovic struck 6 aces, won 82% of his first service points and faced no break points en route to his 60 minute win.

“Great performance against a quality opponent, against somebody that was a former Top 10 player and that knows how to play on a big stage,” Djokovic said. “No complaints. Everything was working well from the beginning to the end.”

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Through two rounds at Indian Wells this week, world No. 68 Albert Ramos defeated Viktor Troicki in his opening round match in straight sets, and then followed up with a win over France’s Julien Benneteau. The latter he won in decisive fashion, 6-2, 6-3 to secure his spot in the third round against Djokovic. He struck 13 aces in that match, and won 81% of his first service points, all while breaking serve on five occasions.

This marks the first time that Djokovic and Ramos-Vinolas will cross paths on the professional tour. The Serbian star will undoubtedly have a noticeable advantage against his Spanish counterpart, and will look to implement it immediately en route to another straightforward victory. Given that Djokovic is the defending champion and has had great success at this event, he should have little trouble making it to next week.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic in Straight Sets

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Eugenie Bouchard vs Coco Vandeweghe Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 3

Eugenie Bouchard vs Coco Vandeweghe Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 3

  • Posted: Mar 16, 2015

Eugenie Bouchard Canada

In her first match in over a month, and under the guidance of a new coach, Canadian darling Eugenie Bouchard cruised into the third round of the Indian Wells tournament. Following her impressive showing, she will come up against local favourite Coco Vandeweghe, whom she has never faced previously on the professional tour.

You will be able to follow the match Live Here: Bouchard vs Vandeweghe Live Streaming

Apart from a slight opening set hiccup that could have swayed the result, Eugenie Bouchard looked great in her first match back on tour, and defeated Czech Republic’s Lucie Hradecka in straight sets to advance to the third round of the tournament. She routed her 6-2, 6-2 in just 57 minutes.

Given that much has changed in the Bouchard camp over the past few months, the rising star is simply pleased to have notched a win at Indian Wells and to have gotten over the first hump.

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“I haven’t had all that much time to practice, so I just wanted to get the feel of a match. I don’t overthink it in a match, I go back to what I do, and what I’m used to.,” Bouchard said. “I will not be changing things, but definitely adding some things to my game. Overall I’m happy today that I did the basics well, and that’s one big step forward.”

World No. 36 Coco Vandeweghe reached the third round at Indian Wells following a straight sets win against Sesil Karatantcheva. She won the match 6-2, 6-3 and did so after serving at 70% of her first serve points. The match lasted a total of 62 minutes.

Bouchard and Vandeweghe have never crossed paths previously on the WTA tour. Given that the Canadian looked great in her first match back, one would lean towards her continuing that trend into the second week of the tournament. However, she could have some trouble against the big serving Vandeweghe.

Prediction: Eugenie Bouchard in Three Sets

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Kei Nishikori vs Fernando Verdasco Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 3

Kei Nishikori vs Fernando Verdasco Preview – Indian Wells 2015 Round 3

  • Posted: Mar 16, 2015

 Kei Nishikori

After downing a local favourite in his first match at the 2015 edition of the Indian Wells Masters event, Kei Nishikori is through to the third round, where he will encounter Spain’s Fernando Verdasco for the third time on the professional tour. The Japanese No. 1 is yet to notch his first win against Verdasco, who compiled a 2-0 lead in the head to head series between 2011-12.

Follow the match Live Here: Nishikori vs Verdasco Live Streaming

Fifth seed Kei Nishikori reached the third round of the tournament with a 6-4, 6-4 victory against American Ryan Harrison. He withstood five aces and won 63% of his first service points to close out the match in one hour and 27 minutes.

“The first match is always tough,” said Nishikori. “But there were so many ups and downs in the first set. Almost every game we couldn’t hold serve, but we also returned well. That’s why there were a lot of breaks.

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“The second set I was playing an almost perfect game. I was hitting good serves. No break points. I think I didn’t face any break points. Luckily I got the first break, so it was easier mentally to hit a lot of good shots. But I’m really happy to win today and I’m looking forward to playing the next round.”

Awaiting Nishikori in the third round is Spain’s Fernando Verdasco, who reached that stage of the tournament with a 6-2, 7-6(3) win over qualifier James Duckworth. While the second set was a competitive affair, Verdasco faced no break points on serve and finished the match in one hour and 18 minutes.

This marks the third time that these two competitors will cross paths on the ATP World Tour, with Verdasco leading the series 2-0. While he is yet to lose a match to the Japanese No. 1, they have not played a match together in over three years, which renders the h2h useless. Given the changes over that time, it would not be surprising if Nishikori finally notches that elusive win over Verdasco.

Prediction: Kei NIshikori in Three Sets

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