Agnieszka Radwanska, who lost in last year's Indian Wells final, easily defeated Alison Riske 6-3, 6-1 to reach the third round of the joint WTA/ATP tournament on Friday.
Radwanska, who turned 26 a week ago, needed just 66 minutes to dispatch Riske on centre court at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden stadium.
She broke American Riske five times, hammered four aces and won 69 percent of her first-serve points.
"I got in trouble at the end of the first set but I finished very well," Radwanska said. "That is the most important thing."
World number eight Radwanska lost to Flavia Pennetta in last year's final 6-2, 6-1.
"It was a tough loss in the final," she said. "It is always great to be back in a place where you have good memories. Last year was great for me."
She will next play Heather Watson, who defeated No. 29 seed Camila Giorgi 7-5, 7-5.
Radwanska said the next couple of weeks are going to be crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the season. She plans to head to the Miami tournament after finishing up in the California desert.
"It is still the beginning of the year. This is quite a challenge. It's a big event. We will see how I do here and in Miami.
"I always have the highest expectations, especially because I have been in a few finals and I have already won a couple of big tournaments.
"Where ever I go I want to win the title. So the expectations are there."
Eighth seed Ekaterina Makarova won her battle against fellow Russian and doubles partner Elena Vesnina 6-4, 6-0. Makarova and Vesnina, this year's second seeds, claimed the doubles crown in 2013.
On the men's side of the draw Friday, American Sam Querrey rallied to beat Sergiy Stakhovsky 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 and Alex Dolgopolov of Ukraine rolled over Canada's Frank Dancevic 6-2, 7-5 in first round matches.
Source: AFP
GMT 12:00 2018 Thursday ,13 December
Liverpool, Manchester City seek neighbours' help in title chaseGMT 10:02 2018 Wednesday ,12 December
Tottenham, PSG, Liverpool reach Champions League last 16GMT 10:07 2018 Tuesday ,11 December
Aduriz leaves it late to give Garitano a winning start at AthleticGMT 09:19 2018 Monday ,10 December
River Plate beat rivals Boca Juniors to win Copa LibertadoresGMT 07:14 2018 Sunday ,09 December
Liverpool go top as Man City lose unbeaten record at ChelseaGMT 14:54 2018 Friday ,07 December
Boca Juniors and River Plate prepare to settle Copa LibertadoresGMT 12:54 2018 Thursday ,06 December
Schalke aim to dampen Dortmund's title charge in derbyGMT 14:37 2018 Wednesday ,05 December
Serena Williams and Andy Murray return to Australian OpenMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor