19-time grand slam champion Serena Williams eased her way into the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open after downing Kazakhstan’s Zarina Diyas in the third round.
The top seed, who is playing her second match at the Indian Wells after a 14-year boycott of the event, took 53 minutes to get past Diyas 6-2, 6-0.
“Things are going in the right direction,” said Serena Williams
“I was able to feel more consistent today and that really worked in my favour. I’m really glad to still be here and in the tournament. I love the support.
“I was able to relax today because I was able to do more of the right things and not make as many mistakes as I did in my last round.”
The world number one will face USA’s Sloane Stephens in the next round.
Meanwhile, four-time Indian Wells champion Roger Federer took an extra 10 minutes compared to Williams to demolish Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 6-2 in the second round.
“I’m moving well, which is key on this surface because the easy shots and easy points are not going to happen so easily here like they maybe do in Dubai or Australia or the indoor season,” Federer said.
“I was successful playing on my terms. There are certain things I can do better, but for a first round it’s a good start.”
He will next face Andreas Seppi, who defeated him 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-6 (7-5) at the Australian Open back in January.
Photo Credits: tennisworldusa.com
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