Djokovic, Osaka Stunned at Indian Wells

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.”

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Player Reactions to Kermode Firing

Players have been reluctant to offer their opinions on the decision to not extend ATP President Chris Kermode’s contract by a Djokovic-led group.  Here are a few that did.

Sam Querrey 

“Chris did a good job” but ‘the tournaments were very, very happy with Chris, a sign there’s an imbalance.”

Stan Wawrinka

“I’m really, really sad and disappointed about that. If you look what Chris achieved for the tennis, for every player, for every fans, for everyone around the tennis, it’s been amazing,”

“That’s, I would say, the funny part. I also read what player representatives said right now. It’s not like there is another option yet, or at least I don’t know.”

“I’m not in the council, I’m not in the board, so I don’t know everything. I don’t know everything that’s happening. I just know from the players’ side from what I know.

“So, for me, I think it’s not the right decision to make, but again, I’m not in the council, so I cannot talk because they know more things than I do.”

Nadal (comments were made just prior to the vote)

“In my opinion changing the president will stop the process of improving our sport. Chris did a good job…it will be good if he stays a while more.”

Nicholas Mahut

“We’re sad,” said Mahut, speaking to TENNIS.com. “I was supporting [Kermode] because he was doing a good job.”

Lleyton Hewitt

A disappointing decision! Chris has shown great leadership and has had the ability and vision to keep growing our sport. The Australian boys appreciate all that he has done for the Tour.

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