The 2017 BNP Paribas Open concluded on Sunday with an all-Russian singles final. This post brings together the highlights from Indian Wells with best bits from the tournament including a recap of the final and links to memorable matches, shots and plenty more. If you fancy a trip down memory lane, you can check out my previous Match Points tournament posts starting from 2016. Read on for the Match Points from Indian Wells…

Singles Champion

Many congrats to Elena Vesnina!  From 6-7 1-4 down and 2-4 down in the decider, the number 14 seed left it all out on the court, producing a magnificent effort to see off fellow compatriot, Svetlana Kuznetsova, 6-7(6) 7-5 6-4 in three hours and one minute.

The first set was a stunner with the pair combining for 45 winners to 26 unforced errors – superb stats on this court. Kuznetsova saved a set point to take the opener on the tiebreak in 73 minutes. An intense and aggressive, Vesnina played a terrific first set but a few more errors towards the end of the set and some smart play and decent serving at critical moments from Kuznetsova, along with a very fortuitous net cord on set point, helped the number eight seed take it.

Vesnina looked tired at the start of the second set but never backed off from the aggressive gameplan and she was rewarded, seizing on some passive play from Kuznetsova to win the second set, serving it out at the second time of asking on an ace. The level from both players dipped in the third set in tough conditions; however, it was Vesnina, going to town on Kuznetsova’s weakening second serve, who toughed a superb victory.

For Kuznetsova, this was a tough loss as she had so many opportunities; even after winning the first set, she never quite looked comfortable against an aggressive, Vesnina, but she seemed to lose her focus, two games away from the match.

Congrats to Elena and well deserved! All in all, an enjoyable final.

Doubles Champions

Yung-Jan Chan and Martina Hingis won the doubles title, defeating Lucie Hradecka and Katerina Siniakova in Saturday’s final, 7-6(4) 6-2.

Super Snap

Indian Wells is on my bucket list!

Super Stat

Elena Vesnina had never made it past the third round in nine previous visits to the desert. Add to that, she lost in the first round of qualifying in 2016!

A fun sidenote – I predicted against Elena every single match at this tournament 🤣

Comeback Kid

Never write off Venus Williams. From 1-6 *1-4 *30-40 down against Jelena Jankovic and saving three match points later in the second set, the American scored a come-from-behind, 1-6 7-6(5) 6-1 second round victory.

Memorable Match

There were some decent matches during the tournament – Pliskova-Muguruza, Kuznetsova-Ka.Pliskova, Muguruza-Day, Mladenovic-Wozniacki and Vesnina-Kuznetsova were all good but the one that sticks in my mind was Dominika Cibulkova’s comeback win from match point down to defeat a rip-roaring effort from Kristyna Pliskova, 2-6 7-6(5) 7-6(4). The end of the third set was a fascinating watch with a trio of lengthy deuce games.

Best Shot

So many points to choose from but from the very first day, this one that made me scream out loud and wake up the neighbours.

Super Sportsmanship

A duo of Andrea Petkovic handshakes – firstly, loved the respect she showed to an injured, Vania King and then secondly, a good ‘ol hug with good friend, Angelique Kerber.

Coaching Changeover

Jelena Jankovic had a lot of thoughts after dropping the second set of her first round match against Irina Falconi.

LOL Moments

It was nice to see Sloane Stephens in Indian Wells and she did a lot of fun features for Tennis Channel.

Karolina’s face! 🤣

This quote cracked me up.

Press Conferences

Welcome back, Madison. You’ve been missed!

Elena is so thoughtful in press and I really enjoyed this press conference after she defeated Venus Wiliams in the quarter-finals.

Tennis Draw Challenge Champion

Congratulations to tennisdon who won the Draw Challenge for Indian Wells. To join in the fun, you can enter Tennis Draw Challenge and join the Moo’s Tennis Blog league.

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