Nadal and Sharapova ousted at Indian Wells

Originally published on 11/03/14

Sharapova, who has slipped to No.5 in the world rankings, lost 6-3 4-6 7-5 to Italian qualifier Camila Giorgi before Nadal, whose 26-match unbeaten run on hard courts started in Indian Wells last year, was toppled 6-3 3-6 7-6(5).

Despite hitting 49 winners to 36 errors, Dolgopolov claimed his first victory against Nadal in six attempts, avenging his recent defeat to the world No.1 in the Rio Open final.

"I feel great, as after every win, of course," said Dolgopolov. "I beat the defending champion and the No. 1 in the world."

"It's a moment for the people to be proud a little bit for someone from their country," he added, referring to the political unrest in his native Ukraine. "It's good to make some results and make the people forget a little bit and have some happy moments in the news."

Sharapova meanwhile, twice came from a break down in the final set, but failed to prevent Giorgi claiming her first win over a Top 5 player, sealing the win after two hours and 36 minutes on court.

"I did not play a good match at all,” admitted Sharapova. “I had never played against her, but she's someone who doesn't give you much rhythm. She's quite aggressive, but some shots she hits incredible for a long period of time, then sometimes she goes off for a bit. But my level was nowhere near where it should have been. I guess just a bad day."

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