Fritz continues to defend his title and progress at Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Defending champion Taylor Fritz defeated Argentina’s Sebastián Báez 6-1, 6-2 in the third round in Indian Wells on Monday.

The fourth seed served four aces and won 88% of his first serves against Báez (30).

Stan Wawrinka also advanced after beating Holgen Rune (7) 2-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5. American Tommy Paul beat ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Rune saved a match point and rallied after losing 2-5 to win the tiebreaker in the second set. But Wawrinka rallied in third to knock out his 19-year-old rival.

“The last 45 minutes were tough,” Wawrinka said. “Keep fighting, work, push yourself and stay positive. I’m happy with the win”.

Wawrinka reached the fourth round of Indian Wells for the first time since 2017, when he lost the final. The Swiss turns 38 next month.

Félix Auger-Aliassime (8) avoided elimination and beat Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo 7-5, 6-4.

On the women’s side, Caroline Garcia (5) beat Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1.

Elena Rybakina (10) beat defending champion and doubles partner Paula Badosa 6-3, 7-5.