Philipp Kohlschreiber defeated five-time Indian Wells champion and Wold Number 1, Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 in their third round match. Kohlschreiber next plays Gael Monfils.
“I liked my chances more at night against Kohlschreiber, but it wasn’t to be last night,” Djokovic said. “Completely different conditions today. I congratulate him for playing tactically really well and getting me out of my comfort zone. He deserved to win.”
“I would say after 3-all in the first set I felt like getting closer to the set, holding my service games, which is not easy against Novak, because he’s such a great returner,” Kohlschreiber said. “I know from that point on it’s going to be a very interesting match.”
It was a bad day for seeded players. Sixth seed Kei Nishikori, No. 10 Marin Cilic and No. 14 Daniil Medvedev were also upset.
Women’s Number 1 Naomi Osaka lost to Belinda Bencic 6-3, 6-1 in just over an hour in the fourth round of the first title defense of her career.
“She sort of came out there really aggressive,” Osaka said. “She sort of knew what she wanted to do more than me.”
This was Osaka’s first tournament since hiring coach Jermaine Jenkins. “It’s always a bit tricky whenever you change someone in the team, but I feel like for a first tournament we did really well,” Osaka said. “We communicate well, so I think that’s a really big plus. I don’t think it’s going to be difficult.”