Venus outclasses sister Serena

Indian Wells, United States: Serena Williams’ return to the WTA Tour came to an abrupt end on Monday as she crashed out of Indian Wells with a 3-6, 46 loss to her sister Venus. Venus closed out the 29th career meeting between the two on her second match point as Serena sailed a forehand long to end the third- round showdown. It was the first meeting between the sisters since they clashed in the final of the 2017 Australian Open, which Serena won before taking a 15-month hiatus due to her pregnancy. Serena said she is still easing her way back into match fitness. The 10th seeded Venus moves on to the Round of 16 where she will face Anastasija Sevastova, who defeated 12th seeded Julia Georges 6-3, 6-3.

Swiss Master victor

World number one Roger Federer stepped up his bid for a sixth Indian Wells Masters title with a 6-2, 6-1 demolition of Filip Krajinovic. Federer continues to defy the ageing process as he needed just 58 minutes to overpower the Serb with a brilliant display of Swiss timing.