Tennis

Angelique Kerber's remarkable comeback reached a new milestone at the BNP Paribas Open, where she secured her first WTA 1000 victory since returning from maternity leave. The former world No. 1 defeated Petra Martic 6-3, 6-4, showcasing her unwavering determination and resilience.Kerber's journey back to the court has been nothing short of inspiring. After announcing her pregnancy in 2022, she welcomed her daughter Liana in February 2023. True to her promise, she returned to action at the start of 2024, eager to prove that motherhood had not diminished her competitive spirit.Despite a slow start to the season, Kerber looked rejuvenated in Indian Wells. She dispatched Martic in 90 minutes, demonstrating her trademark consistency and unwavering focus. The Croatian, ranked No. 10 seed Jelena Ostapenko, awaits Kerber in the second round.Kerber and Martic's rivalry dates back to 2008, when a young Kerber faced a lower-ranked Martic in Slovenia. Both players have since established themselves among the world's elite, with Kerber claiming three Grand Slam titles and reaching the pinnacle of the rankings.The match began with Martic struggling to find her rhythm against Kerber's relentless pressure. The German broke serve early, but Martic fought back to level the score. Undeterred, Kerber regained the initiative and served out the opening set.The second set followed a similar pattern, with Kerber breaking serve early and maintaining her advantage. Martic showed glimpses of her fighting spirit, saving three break points, but Kerber remained unyielding. Serving for the match, Kerber converted her second match point to seal the victory.Kerber's triumph is a testament to her unwavering determination and the power of motherhood. It serves as an inspiration to all athletes who aspire to balance their personal and professional lives. As she prepares to face Ostapenko, Kerber will be confident in her ability to continue her remarkable comeback and challenge for more titles.

The Sunshine Swing kicks off with a captivating clash between two seasoned groundstrokers, Angelique Kerber and Petra Martic. Despite only meeting thrice, their last encounter was a decade ago. Kerber, a former world number one, seeks a significant result since her return from motherhood. Martic, known for her resilience, has been consistent in recent seasons.In another intriguing matchup, American Christopher Eubanks faces rising star Brandon Nakashima. Eubanks, with a 1-3 record on hard courts this season, faces an uphill battle against Nakashima's impressive 8-2 record. Both players possess powerful serves and anticipate momentum shifts, promising an intense three-set thriller.Camila Giorgi and Katie Boulter, two evenly matched players, will meet for the first time. Boulter, fresh from her WTA 500 victory, faces a stern test against Giorgi's aggressive style. Both players have struggled to overcome the hurdle of 1000s and Grand Slams, making this encounter a crucial test of their mental fortitude and ability to handle the pressure of the desert sun.