Indian Wells: Dalma Galfi’s impressive win over Danielle Collins

Dalma Galfi notched the most noteworthy result of the day on Tuesday in Indian Wells at the BNP Paribas Open. Galfi stunned Danielle Collins 6-4, 6-4 in their first-round match to move into the round-of-64. The Hungarian, who made it to the main draw as a lucky loser needed nearly an hour and 40 minutes to get the win.

Galfi won 64% of her first-serve points to Collins’ 68%. She also won 52% of her second-serve points and 68% of points on return on the American’s second serve. Collins’ eight winners were outplayed by Galfi’s 16 while the latter had only 20 unforced errors compared to Collins’ 38.

Post-match, Galfi said, “It’s not every day that you get a second chance after losing in qualifying, so I’m really grateful that I could be a lucky loser. I was like, ‘I might as well use the chance to do something great against a great player,’ and it worked. I tried to be there mentally from the first second. I had some ups and downs in the second (set) as well, but I’m happy I could get through those tough moments and that’s what I’m the most happy about.”

Looking to reach the third round, Galfi will now play French fifth seed, Caroline Garcia.

Indian Wells: Sofia Kenin no match for Sloane Stephens

Meanwhile, the American derby between Sofia Kenin and Sloane Stephens saw the former oust the latter. Kenin won 6-4, 6-1 in 81 minutes to take her place in the second round.

The first set was more evenly balanced as compared to the second set whose proceedings were dictated by Kenin. The 2020 Australian Open winner secured a crucial break in the 10th game of the set to go up in the match. An early break in the second set allowed her to take control of the momentum and Stephens was never able to recover from that setback, despite having a couple of break points in the sixth game but wasn’t able to convert. Kenin eventually prevailed without any further fuss.

Stephens had three more winners than Kenin’s 13 but also had 11 more unforced errors than her rival’s 22.

Kenin, a main draw wildcard this year, will play 10th seed and 2023 Australian Open finalist Elena Rybakina next.

Lastly, Karolina Muchova also took her place in the second round in Indian Wells with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Yulia Putintseva in their opening-round meeting.

Photo Credit: BNP Paribas Open Twitter