California, Oct.7 (AP): Shelby Rogers beat Anhelina Kalinina 7-6 (2), 6-2, and Sloane Stephens outlasted Heather Watson 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1 on Wednesday in opening matches at the BNP Paribas Open.
Rogers and Stephens were joined by fellow American Madison Keys in advancing. Keys beat KaiaKanepi, 6-0, 7-5.
Stephens won seven of 18 break points She raced to a 5-0 lead in the third set before Watson held, then served out the win. Watson had seven aces and seven double faults on the hard courts at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Rogers upset top-ranked Ash Barty in the third round of the U.S. Open.
American Madison Brengle lost to Hsieh Su-wei, 6-1, 7-6 (4), and U.S. qualifier Alycia Parks was routed 6-0, 6-1 by Arantxa Rus.
Men’s main draw play begins Thursday.
Three-time major champion Andy Murray and four-time major champion Kim Clijsters received wild cards into the event. U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu and runner-up Leylah Fernandez are entered.
Electronic Hawkeye cameras, previously in use at the tournament, will handle line calls for every match. Chair umpires and ball kids will be on hand.
The combined ATP and WTA tournament is missing some of the sport’s biggest names, including men’s No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Barty. Also out on men’s side are Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. The women’s draw is missing Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams. Second-ranked ArynaSabalenka said she tested positive for Covid-19 after arriving in the desert and is in isolation.
The tournament was moved from its usual March date because of the coronavirus pandemic.
